Korn Ferry: The Right-Brain Leadership Gap

The CFO function has long been considered a healthy talent pool for potential CEOs, but a recent study by Korn Ferry reveals that in Forbes 2000 companies, only 13% of CEOs were previously CFOs. The reason is the skillset that served them well as CFOs does not carry the same benefits when they attempt to transition to becoming a CEO. Korn Ferry finds that in order for a CFO to successfully transition into CEO they need to move beyond their technical left-brain way of thinking to a right-brain way of thinking.

Korn Ferry identifies strong right-brain skills that are desirable for CEOS:

• Social leadership and ability to motivate others
• “Outside-in” thinking
• Courage even when facing a crisis
• Optimism that inspires others

CFOs who believe they are capable of assuming a broader leadership role must be highly self-aware as they move beyond what is comfortable and develop the essential array of leadership strengths. Learning agility is a real asset for taking on new positions, such as becoming chief operating officer as CFOs broaden their engagement with others and hone their ability to establish and articulate a vision.

The full report is published on Korn Ferry’s website. Read the full article.