Unlike traditional goal-setting approaches, this process begins with the end in mind - their ultimate five-year goal - and works backward to define annual and quarterly objectives.
What sets this process apart is its depth. It challenges participants to not only outline their aspirations but to articulate a vision statement, a guiding "big word," and a master message for both their five-year and annual goals.
This provides participants with an opportunity to reflect on the emotional drivers behind their ambitions, encouraging them to connect business goals with their personal purpose.
I know the idea of a five-year plan might feel daunting, especially when the day-to-day is so unpredictable. But trust me, it's exactly what CFOs need when things get chaotic.
The real magic happens when you break down these goals into the 5 Pillars of High Performance for CFOs:
1. Professional
High-performing CFOs don't rise to the top by accident; they get there with intention. This pillar focuses on defining their career goals and the actions required to achieve them.
2. Financial
The Financial Pillar covers the critical deliverables of the CFOs role - those "big ticket" items like renegotiating bank facilities, implementing new accounting standards, or driving year-over-year financial performance.
3. Cultural
The best CFOs know that culture isn't a byproduct of strategy - it's the very foundation for success. What are the finance team's values? Are there any misalignments between business vision and team values? This is where the CFO will reflect on these.
4. Personal
The Personal Pillar encourages CFOs to create conditions outside of work that fuel their professional success. Whether it's prioritising physical health, carving out family time, or streamlining home responsibilities, this pillar ensures their personal life supports your professional ambitions.
5. Structural
The Structural Pillar helps the CFO with establishing the frameworks and routines that empower both them and their team to perform at their best. From well-defined work rhythms to ensuring the right talent is in the right roles, this pillar enables consistent, high-impact performance.
When CFOs incorporate these 5 pillars into their planning processes, they align their efforts with their broader purpose, and bring renewed energy to both their personal and professional pursuits.
According to the Harvard Business Review, one of the primary reasons 60-90% of all strategic plans fail is the lack of alignment between the plan and the organisation's cultural framework. When strategies are developed in isolation from the cultural dynamics and realities of the people driving them, they almost always fail.
The Catalyst Planning Process addresses this gap by integrating personal, structural, and cultural realities into the goal-setting framework.
If you're ready to empower your CFO to think strategically, act decisively, and align their efforts with your company's vision, I invite you to explore the Catalyst Planning Workbook. This tool equips your CFO with the clarity and structure needed to drive outcomes that support your leadership and organisational goals.
What's one opportunity your CFO could pursue that feels too ambitious or complex right now?
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