The Sid Kess Approach: 60 Years of Best Practices in Tax, Education, Careers and Life.

• Author: Laffie, Lesli S.
• Position: Book review

If there were a "rock star" of the tax world, that title would undoubtedly belong to Sidney Kess, CPA, J.D., LL.M., a nationally renowned tax expert, lecturer, and author of legions of tax books. There is hardly a CPA in tax practice today who has not benefited from a continuing professional education course Kess has taught or a book he has written.

In his exemplary career, Kess has also personally touched the lives of decades of tax practitioners, because he has been a mentor to many, many tax professionals (including this author). A new book, The Sid Kess Approach: 60 Years of Best Practices in Tax, Education, Careers and Life, includes contributions from dozens of Kess's colleagues, friends, and students, that detail how he has positively affected so many lives. It also offers the principles of the Sid Kess "approach"--rules for pursuing a more successful career, more satisfying relationships, and a happier life. That "approach," laid out over various chapters, advises:

1. Truly put people first;

2. Build and maintain...