The Financial Controller and CFO's Toolkit, 3rd Edition

Chapter 11Effective Leadership, Growing and Retaining Talent

OVERVIEW

Being good with numbers and systems is one thing, but far more important is growing, and retaining talent. It is a far greater challenge and the impact is much more profound. This chapter explores why you have to start with fine tuning your leadership skills, and then focus on creating a more attractive work environment. This chapter also explores how the finance team can network better within the organization, and how the senior members of the finance team can market themselves with greater success. It also looks at presenting a more service-centered culture to the budget holders.

These lessons have been gathered on my research during the writing of The Leading-Edge Manager's Guide to Success.¹

Why is it that when I actually find some talent, they never stick around?” a troubled CFO asks.

“Where is the talent, for I cannot find them!” another adds.

The first place to examine if your finance team finds it difficult to attract and retain staff is your leadership. Poor performance in this vital area will lead to a high staff turnover. We then need to make the finance team a more attractive place to work. Once we have been able to create a more pleasant environment for potential and current staff, we need to “get the right people on the bus” and give them a substantial start and an appealing future.

FOUNDATION STONES FOR LEADERSHIP THAT ATTRACTS

Getting competent staff to stick requires you to be a good, ...