Ten Key Qualities of Successful CFOs

MANILA, Philippines - 1. A sound ethical compass. If the CFO’s values are undemanding, the company’s will also be wobbly.

2. The ability to take unpleasant decisions. Many judgments must be made on the basis of ambiguous information. CFOs often have to deal swiftly with conflicting demands, often without being sure of all the facts.

3. Clarity and focus are essential requirements for making those awkward judgments. To extract the crucial point from complexity is essential for devising an effective strategy.

4. Ambition. The best CFOs are empire-builders who want to create something that outlast them.

5. Effective communication skills are the result of the increasing intrusion of the outside world into the boardroom: media, analysts, shareholders.

6. The ability to judge people is an essential prerequisite, given the importance of human capital.

7. A knack for developing talent is needed to build a stock of future leaders. People learn far more about the art of leading from a good mentor than from a great book.

8. Emotional self-confidence. Accumulating a pool of talent requires an ability to work with people who may be better at their job than you are at yours, and to guide and motivate them. CFOs who are jealous of their followers do not inspire loyalty.

9. Adaptability will prove invaluable when things go wrong. Surviving a reversal calls for resilience and flexibility.

10. Charm is not a quality taught in MBA courses, but few get to the top without it. A bit of luck helps too.