9 Personal Habits that Make Effective Cfos
Effective CFOs possess unique habits that set them apart in the financial world. This article delves into the personal practices that contribute to their success, drawing insights from industry experts. Discover the key behaviors that can elevate a CFO's performance and drive organizational growth.
- Schedule Weekly Financial Reflection Sessions
- Delegate Tasks to Empower Team Members
- Automate Workflows to Focus on Strategy
- Start Day with Key Financial Metrics
- Practice Daily Reflection for Better Decisions
- Review Cross-Functional Metrics Every Morning
- Take a Pause Before Making Decisions
- Implement Consistent Financial Systems Across Units
- Prioritize High-Impact Tasks Each Day
Schedule Weekly Financial Reflection Sessions
One habit that has had a huge impact on my effectiveness as a CFO is scheduling a weekly "financial reflection" session, where I step away from day-to-day numbers to review trends, risks, and strategic implications. Early on, I was constantly buried in spreadsheets and reports, reacting to issues rather than anticipating them, and it started affecting decision-making across the company.
Blocking this dedicated time allowed me to see patterns I would have missed otherwise, like cash flow bottlenecks or subtle shifts in client payment behavior. It also influenced my leadership style by encouraging a more proactive and consultative approach; I could advise the team on strategy rather than just report on numbers. I remember one quarter where spotting an emerging revenue trend early led us to adjust resource allocation and optimize client engagement, ultimately improving both performance and morale. This habit reinforces the value of stepping back to see the bigger picture while staying grounded in the details, which is a balance every finance leader needs to cultivate.
Delegate Tasks to Empower Team Members
One practice that has made me more effective as a CFO is learning to delegate responsibilities to the team member best suited for the task and trusting them to own it. This approach has shaped my leadership style to be more empowering and collaborative, creating space for the team to grow while allowing me to stay focused on the bigger picture.
Automate Workflows to Focus on Strategy
For me, automating financial workflows through ERP has been the practice that changed everything. Before automation, I'd often get bogged down chasing spreadsheets and reconciling reports, which slowed decision-making. By integrating dashboards for real-time visibility into cash flow, I suddenly had the bandwidth to focus on leading my team and supporting clients more strategically. If I had one tip, it's to automate what drains your energy most, then use the time saved to tackle higher-level priorities.
Start Day with Key Financial Metrics
A practice that has significantly enhanced effectiveness as a leader is starting each day with a focused review of three key areas: liquidity position, cash flow trends, and any variances from forecast. This is done before opening the inbox or engaging in operational discussions. It sets a clear picture of the organization's health and allows decisions to be driven by financial realities rather than external noise. Over time, this habit has strengthened the ability to detect subtle shifts in performance and address them proactively, rather than reactively.
This approach has also shaped a leadership style rooted in precision and trust. By consistently arriving at meetings with data-backed perspectives, it signals to teams that strategic discussions must be grounded in evidence. It has fostered a culture where preparation is non-negotiable and decision-making remains calm even in high-stakes situations. This discipline not only improves financial stewardship but also reinforces confidence among stakeholders that the organization is being navigated with both vision and rigor.
Practice Daily Reflection for Better Decisions
One practice that has significantly influenced effectiveness is maintaining a discipline of daily reflection. Each morning begins with reviewing the previous day's key decisions and considering their broader impact. This habit not only sharpens financial judgment but also ensures that strategic choices remain aligned with long-term organizational goals rather than short-term pressures. Over time, this routine has proven essential in navigating complex financial scenarios with greater clarity.
This approach has also shaped a leadership style that prioritizes thoughtfulness over immediacy. By modeling patience and intentional decision-making, teams are encouraged to pause, assess risks, and approach challenges with a balanced perspective. The result is a culture that values analytical rigor and composure, even in high-pressure situations—qualities that strengthen both financial resilience and organizational trust.
Review Cross-Functional Metrics Every Morning
One personal habit that has made me a more effective CFO is setting aside 20 minutes every morning to review not just financial dashboards but also one operational metric outside of finance, such as customer satisfaction scores or supply chain lead times. This practice keeps me grounded in how numbers connect to real outcomes. Over time, it has shaped my leadership style to be more cross-functional and empathetic, as I walk into meetings understanding the pressures other teams face. It also helps me frame financial discussions in a language that resonates with non-finance colleagues, which builds trust and alignment.
Take a Pause Before Making Decisions
One practice that has made me more effective as a leader is what I call the "pause before the pivot." Before making a financial or strategic decision, I take a deliberate pause — not just to run the numbers, but to regulate my nervous system and check in with my clarity. That 90-second reset ensures I'm not leading from stress or scarcity, but from grounded vision. Over time, this practice has shaped my leadership style into one that's steady, emotionally intelligent, and deeply trusted — because people can feel the difference when decisions come from alignment rather than reactivity.
Implement Consistent Financial Systems Across Units
One practice that has made me more effective as a financial leader is creating franchise-style financial standardization across every business unit. Early on at Dirty Dough, I learned that rapid growth without consistent systems creates chaos, so we implemented repeatable dashboards and KPIs across all locations. Once we did that, we could spot inefficiencies quickly and scale with far more confidence. For leaders, I'd suggest focusing on building systems that free you from daily fires and give you room to make strategic moves.
Prioritize High-Impact Tasks Each Day
"Leadership isn't about doing more, it's about ensuring what you do has the greatest impact."
One practice that has had the greatest impact on my effectiveness is starting each day with intentional prioritization. Before diving into the rush of emails and meetings, I map out the two or three outcomes that matter most for the day - things that will truly move the business forward. This discipline keeps me from getting lost in the noise and ensures my team sees me leading with clarity, not just reacting. Over time, it has shaped a leadership style that values focus, accountability, and respect for everyone's time.
