In the recent ICAEW article How to influence as a finance leader executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles points to ‘leading through influence’ as one of the capabilities leaders of the future need to harness.

Heidrick says: “Leaders who rely on influence rather than authority to get things done are more effective at encouraging people to connect to the organisational purpose, which in turn energises people inside and outside the organisation to feel they are part of something bigger and are positively contributing.” 

Influence is just one of the crucial soft skills aspiring leaders need to master to get ahead.

This article explores the idea that developing people skills more broadly, alongside taking on board positions, is one of the most helpful things CFOs can do to position themselves to move into a CEO role.

Sarah Walker-Smith, ACA and CEO of leading UK law firm Shakespeare Martineau, agrees that making your people a priority is crucial for aspiring CEOs, saying, “If your aspiration is to move into general management, understand the importance of the people and how that leads to the numbers. Not the other way around.”

Lead with confidence

The following articles will help you gain the people skills necessary to excel:

• Closing the communication gap in your finance team explores how finance professionals can develop the confidence to have difficult conversations, inspire teams and drive meaningful change.
• If your business is growing or changing rapidly, five leadership lessons for a growth mindset can help you lead with integrity based on organisational values.
• Former KPMG leader Ayesha Macpherson Lau shares the lessons she learned in her role and provides tips on how to find your voice as a leader.
• How to move from a CFO to a CEO mindset can really help to shift your thinking. 
• Is remote working holding you back from that promotion and developing the suite of soft skills you need to get ahead? This article explores.
• Can you keep your calm in tumultuous times and convey a sense of confidence to others? These are just two of the traits a modern CFO should have according to industry professionals.
• What does the CFO’s changing role mean for you? This research project highlights opportunities for CFOs in their leadership on sustainability and includes a series of interviews from senior finance professionals.

Webinars and podcasts

These CPD-verifiable webinars and podcasts are available to watch and listen to on demand:

• Being a good leader in today’s world involves having various qualities, including being a good coach. This webinar will equip you with key coaching skills.
• Expand your professional network, raise your profile and increase your visibility in your industry. Learn how with Eric Sampson in this Critical Skills Workshop - Leadership and Executive Presence.
• Leaders must consider whether they are creating a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace. This on-demand webinar contains practical advice on how to do this.
• Pick up some leadership tips from ICAEW’s CEO Alan Vallance in this podcast.
• What makes finance professionals a good fit for the role of CEO? The podcast So you want to be a leader? explores this.

Find out more

You’ll find more content on this topic, including reports, articles and ebooks, in the  leadership topic area of ICAEW.com.