Accountants, and indeed professional people, are amongst the best qualified individuals around. Not only are they smart, they have many of the qualities and characteristics to really thrive as leaders. As someone who spent 25 years in accounting and consulting, I know that sadly many fail to realize their professional potential. Why is this?

Reason 1: They don't believe in themselves

Despite having achieved great success in their professional exams and being good at what they do, many accountants still lack belief in themselves. This lack of belief often leads to them selling themselves short.

Reason 2: They don't recognize the breadth they have to offer

People often talk about how fantastic MBAs are. While the MBA is a great qualification, so is a professional accountancy qualification. These days it's much more than just number crunching. Qualified accountants are really uniquely placed to be expert advisers in my view and not just in terms of money.

Reason 3: They don't develop a business mindset

In a nutshell, business is about creating, selling and delivering a product or service to a group of people who want to buy it. Therefore the best accountants and those who reach the more senior levels focus on understanding what it takes to create success in the business.

Reason 4: They don't speak up

I don't know about you but I have yet to come across marketing or sales people who don't speak up. Sadly, many accountants are reluctant to speak up and put their ideas forward. Don't underestimate the value of asking what on the face of it might seem like the dumb question.

Reason 5: They don't invest in their development

Your professional qualification is a bit like the foundations in a house. It's a key underpinning to your success. However, you cannot rest on your laurels. Business moves at a rapid pace and you need to keep your skills up to date. Don't short change yourself in terms of your development.

The Bottom Line: As a qualified accountant, you have the potential to achieve great success. The question is, are you ready to seize that opportunity?