CFOs need to Float like a Butterfly. But do they need to Sting like a Bee?


Last blog, CFOs are not Born. They need to Continually Transform, CFOs were compared to butterflies, in that they need to not only transform like butterflies do, but to continually do so.




Samuel Dergel
Samuel Dergel
One of my conversations following this posting led to identifying Muhammed Ali’s famous saying “Float like a Butterfly, Sting like a Bee.”

I see where CFOs need to “Float like a Butterfly”. Not only do Chief Financial Officers need to be appreciated for their ability to (continually) transform, Successful CFOs are appreciated for their grace and form as they accomplish amazing tasks with what looks like relative ease.

Do CFOs need to “Sting like a Bee”? Do they need to inflict pain to accomplish corporate objectives?

Some may say that CFOs need to be a little rough to get things done. My experience in conversations with hundreds of CFOs over my career leads me to believe otherwise.

As an example, I had a conversation recently with a CFO who is in process of leading the integration of an acquisition of their company by a competitor. While his job is sunsetting, he was really proud of the fact that most of the operating employees of the company were able to keep their job.

I personally believe that most CFOs are more Butterfly than Bee. Successful CFOs know that they may have to sting from time to time, but if and when they take difficult decisions that could hurt others, they are not only aware of it, but try to minimize the impact as much as possible.

Do you think CFOs need to “Sting like a Bee”?

Samuel Dergel
Samuel Dergel
Samuel Dergel, CPA, CA, CPC
 
SAMUEL's CFO BLOG
An Insider's Insight into the Mind of the CFO
Read all of the posts by Samuel's CFO Blog on Samuel Dergel.
http://blog.dergelcfo.com
 
Samuel Dergel has over 10 years experience in CFO Search & Consulting.
Samuel is an expert on CFOs and is regularly called upon by media and other groups to better understand the CFO and their relationship with the people they deal with.
Samuel is Director and Search Consultant at Stanton Chase International. Working out of the San Francisco office, Samuel specializes in Executive Search for Chief Financial Officers.
 
You can reach Samuel at:
+ 1 (415) 738-2070

Friday, June 29th 2012
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