It is no secret that many contractors don't like bookkeeping and paperwork. I frequently talk to contractors and ask how their year is going. Too many reply they are not sure because they have not received the numbers from their accountant. This is like asking a coach how the team is doing, and he replies that he has to talk to the scorekeeper.

Coaching and contracting management styles may have more in common than you might think. Neither a coach nor a contractor must actually compile the numbers. Neither has to be physically in the field to make things happen. However, both are responsible for the operation and must rely on good information.