Although this article from Laura Miles at Bain & Company was written a year ago, I think it quite accurately address the challenges CFOs face in maximizing value for their companies.
These points also translate pretty well to a Finance Chief’s secret weapon in marketable positioning when he decides it is time to move on to a new opportunity. This summation by Ms. Miles …
“Only after you determine where to excel, understand your starting point and lay plans for closing the gap can the finance function be the strategic partner it needs to be.”
… lays the groundwork for compelling C-A-R+SI stories for value positioning. Challenge – Action – Result + Strategic Impact. What challenges, problems, situations, issues can / have you solved; how; what are the measurable impacts to the bottom-line; and how have your efforts strategically positioned the company?
Understanding what you love doing, do well, and want to do more of in your next role fosters the self-awareness of your unique problem-solving abilities within your sweet spot. You can then articulate your value through the lens of solving problems and adding value to the executive team of prospective companies.
Oh, there are shortcuts …
— focusing on duties and responsibilities because that is a comfortable paradigm requiring zero effort;
– using impacts, even measurable impacts, but with no context for the reader to understand the associated problem-solving capabilities; or
– creating marketing documents (resume, Linkedin profile, cover letters) that are so superficial in nature that any true ability to add value is not readily apparent.
However, when competing for those coveted, and limited, Chief Finance Officer roles, making sure you understand your value increases …
– your opportunity to win that strategic partner position in a right-fitting company; and
– that company hiring the exact, right candidate because it clearly understood – and needed – your problem-solving skills.
It’s a win for all sides!
Copyright CFO-Coach 2018
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Cindy Kraft is the CFO-Coach and America’s leading Career & Personal Brand Strategist for Corporate Finance Executives helping clients understand their marketability, articulate their value, and position themselves as the clear and compelling choice. She is a Certified Reach Personal Brand Strategist, Certified Reach Online Identity Strategist, Certified Career Management Coach, Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Job & Career Transition Coach. Cindy can be reached via email Cindy@CFO-Coach.com, by phone 813-727-3037, or through her website at www.CFO-Coach.com.
