CFOs: Extroverts vs. Introverts
There is a wild conversation going on in the Chief Financial Officer Network group on Linked around whether CFOs are extroverts or introverts ... and who is better! WOW!! There are certainly some interesting observations and a few, like these, that defy credulity:
--In the end a successful CFO of a medium or large organization has to be extrovert.
--From my point of view, and with my experience (of course), an extrovert CFO is trustworthier than an introverted CFO.
--We are all here, so we must be all extroverted to some extent. Its the ones that are not here may be less so.
First, while the labels of introvert and extrovert are often interchanged with shy and gregarious, these two terms really speak to where a person gets his energy. One can be a social introvert, but in small doses. In fact, while enjoying socializing, it can be exhausting. That person will need quiet time to rejuvenate. Conversely, an extrovert gets energy from a large group of people, noise, and activity. Left alone too long, an extrovert can quickly get depressed. This person feeds off the energy of other people, and the more people, more the better. In my opinion, it does not make any difference whether a CFO falls on the I or the E side on the Myers Briggs assessment ... there is a place for both of them.
An outgoing CFO is indicative of a different communication and behavioral style than a CFO who is more reserved. Possessing strong people skills doesn't preclude one from being a great finance leader. In fact, that difference in communication and behavioral style may actually make having a seat at the executive table a much more comfortable one.
One thing that I've observed is that my CFOs who have a strong operational background are typically much more people-oriented people than those who have come up through the public accounting/controller ranks and who are true bean counters. Accounting types tend to be numbers people and that person is probably always going to be more comfortable with numbers ... if that is how he is wired.
Comments
Company: www.VDLconsulting.com
Seems that people generally want things to be simple... black and white. But when it comes to human behavior, they never are. There are very successful CFOs of all types... as in all fields. People are complex combinations of traits and abilities. It's the combination and interplay of these various traits and abilities that make people who they are. You can't just look at one thing. For example, in his book "Good to Great", Jim Collins dispels the stereotypical myth that CEOs must be outgoing and arrogant Lee Iaccoca types. Turns out some are and some aren't.
Company:
You're absolutely right, Mark. In fact, Introverts tend to be more "listening" types which can make for some great leadership skills. One of the readers of my blog has posted some great links on the misperception of Introverts on the blog post. If you believe you do tend towards introversion, and when you begin reading that information it will readily become apparent, jump over there and grab the links.
As a social introvert myself, I know from whence I speak!! You did hear me on the webinar, right? Would you have guessed that about me?
Company: www.VDLconsulting.com
Sorry, I haven't seen the webinar yet, but no doubt it would be hard for me to tell.
Company:
You're personality whether introverted or extroverted should ideally by a match the work environment. Both personalities can thrive in different environments. The key to being a successful CFO is to understand the financial needs of the external and internal stakeholders.