Don’t Be The CPO
You will no doubt have heard the term C-Suite. Basically it’s shorthand for the different executive level roles in organisations so Chief Executive Office, Chief Financial Officer, etc.
Now we all know that a key distinction between leaders and mangers is that leaders should be focusing on moving things forward.
All makes sense. Yet what makes sense and what is reality is sometimes different.
Perhaps you are or there is someone in your organisation who has the title CPO.
CPO stands for Chief Procrastination Officer. The person who seems to put off making every decision and worst still completely avoids the really tough and usually important decisions.
Now we all know that it can be tough to take decisions. You know that there is a fair chance that a number of them won’t get you the result you hoped for.
On the other hand when you decide and take action an outcome is achieved.
It might be the one you hoped for or it might at least move you in the right direction.
Contrast this against being the CPO. Nothing happens or at least nothing happens that has been of your making.
• People in your team start to get frustrated.
• People in your team lose respect for you.
• People in your team don’t trust you.
• People in your team walk away especially if they have drive and determination to make things happen.
So what would you rather have a reputation for?
Being the person who weighs up the pros and cons and takes the best decision and best action they can or be the person who just gets in the way of progress?
Duncan Brodie helps accountants to become successful managers and leaders.
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.