Tell the CFO to "zip it!"
I write this blog with all due respect to the chief financial officer (CFO). I know many and they have taught me a great deal in my encore life following military service. We need them as we manage cash flow and tight budgets in our businesses but I offer this in the name of growing leaders -- Tell the CFO to, "zip it!"
Nothing deflates a great idea more than the guy or gal who utters, "we cannot afford that." As leaders we want our people to think big and imagine without boundaries. We also want financial discipline and oversight in all that we do. The two lie in conflict. Here are my thoughts.
Leaders are like musical conductors directing and synchronizing an ensemble through a musical score. They call on or silence individual instruments or sections at key moments to keep rhythm and pulse to a musical selection. In a meeting a leader can manage this pulse by emphasizing various individuals or teams. This is not a pass to be rude or mute people. It is just good leadership. Here are some examples.
"Tom, we are going to hear from the business development team right now. I've asked them to develop three ideas for our growth in the fourth quarter. These ideas were created agnostic of budget limitations. I thought it was wise for them to think without boundaries before we look at what our financial left and right limits are."
"Team, I want you to know that Deborah will keep us honest and on track in terms of cash flow. We are a functioning business after all and it is important that Deborah keep us in the 'green' as we navigate these busy times. She is not squashing your ideas and initiatives, she is simply doing her duty and I'd like us all to consider her input very seriously."
Good CFOs will understand a company's vision and mission and manage finances in support (not in competition) with that vision and mission. They should be teachers and coaches to other stakeholders in the company helping them understand financial implications and communication which needs to occur to keep the company healthy. They highlight risk for leaders as they champion new concepts and programs and it is our duty to lead and coach them toward this end.
Again, I'm a fan of the money guy or gal. No business can succeed with them. I want my CFO to have a voice and to help me lead the organization but sometimes he or she is not the 'instrument' I want playing loud and proud at our weekly ensemble.
This all boils down to good leadership, communication, and our ability to understand and direct our teams. I offer the Forté Institute’s® Communication Intelligence Lifetime Survey and Assessment as a benchmark to help leaders, individuals, and teams ‘see’ themselves, how they are adapting to their environment and how others see them. Call on me to administer this quick (~8 minute) survey for you and your team.
Take good care of your CFO and, Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell