Life is good. You’ve got a beautiful corner office with a great view. Sure the job is 60-80 hours a week and the Board and CEO are constantly breathing down your neck … but you’ve got a job and the company needs you. Right?
Or, maybe it’s time for a reality check.
— Corporate loyalty is dead unless you are delivering, and even then it’s not necessarily a slam dunk.
— If you’re not driving your career, you’ve given over control of your career to a Board, PE firm, or investors.
— The CEO will likely watch out for himself and his position over your ethical stand.
— CFO positions are limited, and competition for those positions is fierce.
— MOST senior finance executive positions come through referrals.
My point? Don’t fall under the illusion that your position is safe … no matter how things look today. Every Finance Executive should have an ongoing career management strategy similar to the 3-5-year business plan he executes for his company.
Read the balance of the article and my suggestions for formulating a solid Career Business Plan in the August issue of Futures in Finance.