How busy CFOs maintain control

October can be a challenging time of year for CFOs. You're in full execution mode for the calendar year, while strategic conversations have already turned to the next one. Add the effect of inflation, fuel prices and interest rates and it can all get a bit discombobulating.

That's the headspace our CFOs walked in with last week for our quarterly mastermind day. In they came ready to reflect, learn and create big plans in a space where they know they matter, they can confront what's real and their focus is creating value that lasts. And yes, beautiful food, space to linger and a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge help, too! It was a vibe.

The thinking

As we unpacked the past 90 days and planned the next 90 with impact and value in mind, we re-explored Dr Stephen Covey's circles as a core tenet of our conversations, disaggregating each reflection and goal into what sat in our circle of control, our circle of influence and our circle of concern.

The insight

Sometimes holding up the mirror can be confronting. But what happened last week was that our CFOs loved realising how much was in their control. With a few tweaks, more of what sat in their circle of influence could move into their circle of control. And then there was the freedom of seeing that the items in their circle of concern don't need to take up much, if any, of their energy.

What does your reflection show you?
[With thanks to Dr Stephen Covey for his highly useful 'Circle of Control' model]

Once you've found the structural change, you can start to prioritise.

Quick wins

Everyone loves a quick win. But a quick win is not about ticking a box and feeling good for it. The ones worth doing free-up capacity for the bigger work that has greater impact.

Which change first

What you're looking for is the structural change that clears the most pie in the least time.

In the CFO Boardroom, we always suggest to our clients that they choose the Play (big goal) that creates the biggest ripple effect from the one outcome. This is exactly the same.