CFO South Africa spoke to Brad Wentzel, CFO of SPARK schools, about how the loss of a beloved pet led to some introspection on how stepping up as an executive may not always be possible, and how being vulnerable can also cultivate trust.
“With Logan [my pet dog], in a world of good boys, he was the best. He didn’t care how my day was, if I was stressed or under a deadline. He just knew I would be there, with a walking lead and home for dinner. Always. And I was. Some days a bit late, but I was there,” Brad says.
But it’s not always possible, as a leader, to be available to step up all the time, executives are human too.
“In the CFO/executive arena, there is often talk of always showing up, showing no fear, being ready to go, no matter what the circumstance or odds. I disagree with this, as some days that simply isn’t possible. Personal items could have crept into the workplace, or the mountain that you have been climbing simply seeming too tall that day. In those times, the understanding from others that you are human, albeit in a position of leadership, is imperative. This can only happen if you lead authentically, openly and sometimes with vulnerability. It garners trust, it builds relationships, it highlights relatability as a leader.”
He shared two keen insights on why certain traits may possibly be in short supply in the executive arena, and how leaders can hold space for those around them.
Q: Why do you think it is so hard for people to show/step up? Often it seems easier to just look the other way.
A: In our society and workplace today, loyalty, commitment and grit are often traits that are in short supply. This is particularly prevalent in the workplace where accountability can seldom be seen, and an instant gratification/side hustle culture becoming the norm. This quality, one where promises are delivered in full on time, agreements honoured no matter what the circumstance and colleagues nurtured continuously seems to have been lost, which would be a travesty for us and our future leaders.
I was taught early on in my CFO journey, the one trait that all exceptional CFO’s hold is that they are able to focus on one task and take it to completion. In a world of ball juggling, conflicting priorities and seemingly impossible deadlines, that ability to make a promise and deliver on it to the best of your ability, is crucial to creating the rapport and trust of the CFO and their finance team.
Q: What do you think are some of the easier ways to show up, while making it meaningful as well?
A: Being focused on a single task can be harder than it seems, if we don’t bring people along on our journey, and expose them to our world by showing a vulnerable side. We sometimes overcommit in this space however, trying to be that one person for too many, stretching ourselves too thin in the process, can lead to everyone suffering.
That is the trick to this, allowing and holding space for a few around you, and having the courage to let them do the same for you when you need it. But also getting them to hold space and do the same for a select few around them, thereby paying it forward and creating a purpose economy.
Simply put, that means understanding your timelines, communicating your pressures, making a promise that is fair to both you and them, and then delivering on it timeously.
