Don't get me wrong, I don't like global generalizations. There is nothing wrong with logical patterns and trends, but it doesn't mean that they encompass ALL people and ALL situations. So, when I talk about, for example, entrepreneurs or financial execs in general terms I don't mean "every single one." I mean, the majority of the group. The majority of entrepreneurs are brilliant, but some of them are just lucky. The majority of small business CFO's are pedants, but some of them are slobs, and so on.
There are entrepreneurs who are very conscious of their breed's tendencies to squash and frustrate their subordinate execs. They go out of the way to engage in counter-measures and employ the best of managerial techniques. Therefore, there are CFO's out there who truly enjoy constant interactions with their CEO's. Throughout my career I myself have experienced long stretches of time when my boss's personal traveling seemed like a disruption in the work flow, occasional frustration notwithstanding.
However, even those who enjoy the most amicable of relationships, cannot deny that they feel more relaxed and efficient, less frustrated doing their jobs, when the bosses are away, or when financial execs are traveling on business themselves.
Thus, my correspondent J. has the best job in the world. It was not set out to be such a fortunate arrangement, but various factors played their roles in shaping the way things are right now. J, who is an asset-based finance specialist, works by herself on the East Coast, running all operational and administrative functions of a small but very profitable private equity fund, while the founding partners are based on the West Coast.
On an average day J. is in the office by herself, doing her job in completely undisturbed environment. And she is one of the most balanced and upbeat persons I've ever met altogether, let alone the financial professionals.
She speaks to one of the partners only on the rarest occasions, when there is something wrong with one or another investment. The other partner is more hands on: he is responsible for due diligence process of all portfolio prospects. He also comes to the East Coast office once a quarter when their lender's audit is finalized to have a wrap-up lunch with J. and the lender's representative.
A perfect dream set up. How do I know? Because J. is never frustrated with her bosses. I tell her, "It would not be the same, if they were here in the same office with you." And she agrees – it wouldn't.
The Frustrated CFO 