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Last Wednesday, on our programme „hsp live at 11“, I spoke with Torsten Stockem, a tax adviser and partner at the firm Energiesozietät, about the opportunities offered by AI in TCMS. We discussed the wide range of opportunities that the use of AI tools opens up for professionals when setting up and maintaining a Tax Compliance Management System. During our conversation, a thought occurred to me: setting up a TCMS always starts with the process, but the impetus to get started always begins in the mind. But what should you do if that initial impulse doesn’t come naturally?

Different phenomena, one common cause

There is one recurring theme amongst all the professionals who use our software. Whether it’s a tax compliance management system, an internal control system or transfer pricing documentation, many projects simply fail to get off the ground. Companies often know exactly what they need, or at least which documentation they are required to provide. Yet these projects are put on the back burner because day-to-day work takes precedence. Orders need to be processed, the accounts need to be kept up to date, the next client meeting needs to be prepared, and so on. And as long as everything is running smoothly, management isn’t particularly concerned. It’s only when a tax audit or a similar urgent matter looms that someone is sent to sort the issue out in far too short a time.

The same thing happens with topics such as AI in TCMS. The AI assistant in Opti.Tax can save the specialist sitting at their computer an enormous amount of work, particularly the tedious, repetitive tasks. There is no rational reason not to take advantage of the benefits of AI. Nevertheless, some people resist and prefer to do everything themselves. Whether it’s new projects or new technologies, I’ve been seeing the same thing over and over again for years and feel like Bill Murray – alias Phil Connors – in the ever-popular film *Groundhog Day*. I stand in our studio with Torsten, talk about the added value that a TCMS offers, and experience déjà vu yet again. And if you’re wondering whether this is a phenomenon specific to our industry, let me assure you of one thing: no, absolutely not. In other sectors, too, I’ve seen that quite a few self-assured figures at the top of companies miss out on important investments. And it’s always for the same reason: „It’s too expensive for us at the moment.“ If buying a car means I can get to work faster, enabling me to work eight hours a day instead of four, and the extra income I earn exceeds the cost of the car after a year, then I’ll buy the car. Why on earth would I carry on walking to work?

Nobody leaves their personality at the office door

Over the last few days, my colleague Maori and I have been thinking more deeply about this conundrum. The added value is clear, the benefits can even be quantified, and yet some people still don’t do it. The costs – too high, no money available. We quickly turned to the topic of mindset – that is, the fundamental personal attitude with which we, as people, approach the challenges in our lives. This isn’t exclusively about professional decisions, although the fear of responsibility tends to be more pronounced here than in our private lives. Some people see a challenge and automatically take it on. ‘There’s a problem here, so I’ll look for a solution.’ Others see a challenge and see a dead end. ‘There’s a problem here, so I’m stuck.’ Maori and I have both found that people with one of these attitudes almost never switch to the other. A person who stands still almost never becomes a problem-solver, and a problem-solver almost never becomes someone who stands still.

The first question you should ask yourself – particularly as a manager – is therefore: Which group do I belong to? How do I generally deal with unexpected challenges in life? How do I react, for example, if I miss a connection because my transport is delayed? The ‘stand-and-wait’ types panic, rant and rave, don’t know what to do next, and join the queue with 100 other people at the information desk. The problem-solvers check the app to see when the next train leaves, perhaps find out about the catering options at the next station, or use the unscheduled waiting time to have a phone call with someone. None of this is right or wrong; personalities are shaped by countless factors in our lives. The fact is, however, that one mindset often gets you further than the other.

Overcoming barriers does not begin in the workplace

As a company director, I must be prepared to take the difficult path from time to time. However, as the managing director of a company myself, I know exactly how little time a typical working day leaves for personal development exercises. Hence my suggestion: if your personality is holding you back from making important decisions, start by overcoming this in your private life, not at work. If something breaks at home, try fixing it yourself next time – provided there’s no risk to life or limb. If your smartphone or laptop is playing up, look for the solution yourself. It might be a bit of a struggle the first few times, but your mind will gradually get used to taking on challenges.