Learning opportunities using financial analysis

- A vice president of operations…from a high-tech company…recently called me in a complete panic.…She said, "our operational profits…"have been declining for over eight months.…"And if we don't get out of the red in the next eight weeks,…"we might lose our major shareholders."…I immediately analyzed the financial results…and concluded that some business areas…weren't functioning well.…We then developed targeted training for these areas.…This interaction demonstrates that, first,…leaders prioritize financial outcomes.…

And, second, every financial outcome…results from people doing or not doing something.…Financial results provide a starting point…to identify underlying performance issues,…providing insight to precise job tasks…and skills to address.…Here's how you can do this.…First, focus on financial results.…This gets you noticed by decision-makers,…because you're now speaking their language.…

But, more importantly, it directs you…to the areas of concern driving the poor results.…Now, let's not get crazy.…I know you're not hired to be a financial expert,…