My work ethic is one of the strongest and proudest characteristics. Any success, I have or will have will be directly attributable to my work ethic. Worker bee is an apt title for me. Unfortunately, worker bees do not make effective Chief Financial and Operations Officers.
In my previous position as a Deputy Executive Director, I was doing the work of analyst instead of a Deputy Executive Director. I was creating spreadsheets, doing budgets and preparing financial analysis. I was still a worker bee when I should have been the beekeeper. Part of it was just dealing with the day-to-day fires associated with any position. Part of it was me just refusing to let go.
Now, in order to be an effective CFOO, I need to let go. I have to long-range plan, review and develop processes and help create a long term structure at Southfield Public Schools. Luckily, I have a wonderful Director of Finance to take most of the day-to-day financial duties away from me. She has made the transition from worker bee to beekeeper much easier. With someone less capable in her role, I still would be putting my worker bee hat frequently to make sure the financial operations were running smoothly.
It is probably safe to say I still have not completely let go of being the worker bee. I still miss the analysis and spreadsheets (I have an abnormal love of spreadsheets), but Southfield Public Schools needs a CFOO not a financial analyst.
Every day, I’m trying to let go of the worker bee mentality a little more and becoming the best beepkeeper I can. It is going to be a long journey with a lot of spreadsheets and urgent financial requests along the bumpy road, but I’ll get to my destination in time.