How can the lack of communication hurt a CFO’s perceived integrity?
Without frequent communication, honest actions can sometimes be perceived as dishonest either by employees or by outsiders looking in. Actions may be misrep-resented or misunderstood if they are not openly discussed. For example, take the scenario of a corporate buyout when decisions need to be made about the acquired company’s leadership. Evaluations about the acquired company’s employees are usually made behind the scenes and naturally, should never be discussed or publicized. But there are two sides to every story, and those that are shut out of the buyout most likely will not have positive things to say. Before that happens, however, good leaders with integrity will come forth and explain why key leadership moves were made or not made. It takes a leader with strong integrity, experience and communication skills to walk that fine line of explaining reasons without damaging anyone’s reputation and sharing the wisdom of the decision made to key stakeholders. The key is to keep communi
