The following is a guest post from Edwin Ang, finance director and executive coach at Expert Career Mentors. Opinions are the author’s own.
The most successful CFOs understand that their effectiveness isn’t measured solely by financial metrics but also by their ability to build strong relationships across the organization. While formal channels and structured meetings have their place, some of the most impactful partnerships begin with something as simple as a shared cup of coffee.
As a new CFO stepping into an organization, your first instinct might be to dive deep into the numbers or implement sweeping process changes. However, veteran finance leaders know that taking time to build personal connections pays dividends that spreadsheets can’t capture.
Consider this scenario: You schedule coffee with your head of sales, not to discuss quarterly targets or pipeline metrics, but simply to get to know them. During casual conversation, you discover a shared passion for cricket. Suddenly, you’re both reminiscing about matches and the World Cup. This shared interest creates a natural bridge that transcends organizational hierarchy and departmental boundaries.
The key to building genuine cross-functional relationships lies in what I call the “give first” principle. Before asking for anything, look for opportunities to make other leaders’ lives easier:
- Streamline approval processes that have been pain points for their teams
- Share relevant financial insights proactively that could help their decision-making
- Set up informal check-ins in comfortable settings, rather than formal boardroom meetings
When you later need support for major initiatives like implementing a new ERP system or revising payment terms, you’re not just the CFO making a request — you’re a trusted colleague asking for collaboration.
Finding common ground
While sports might not be everyone’s passion, the principle remains the same: authentic connections can be built around any shared interest. Perhaps it’s a mutual love for contemporary art, similar experiences raising kids or even supporting the same local sports team. The key is genuine curiosity and active listening to discover these connection points. To make it work, here are some practical steps:
- Schedule informal one-on-ones with key department heads within your first month
- Choose casual settings like coffee shops or lunch
- Focus conversations initially on personal interests rather than work challenges
- Look for immediate ways to help solve small problems or remove obstacles
- Follow up on personal topics discussed to show you value the relationship
The most valuable investment
As CFOs, we’re trained to analyze ROI and scrutinize spending. However, the time invested in building genuine relationships with colleagues might be the most valuable investment you can make.
Strong cross-functional relationships lead to faster decision-making through improved informal communication channels; better implementation of finance initiatives due to stronger buy-in; more honest feedback about financial processes and policies; increased collaboration during challenging periods; and enhanced ability to drive organizational change.
Remember, leadership effectiveness isn’t just about what you know or what you can do — it’s about who you can bring together to achieve common goals. Sometimes, that journey begins with nothing more than a shared cup of coffee and a willingness to listen.
