Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants - by Eric R Alexander (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Chief financial officers (and CFOs-to-be), Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO is about you as you serve in a role that is very much not about you. Your role is primarily for the benefit of others-though that stewardship reality and its significance are seldom explored.

Eric R. Alexander has been in the finance world for forty years, with twenty of those in the CFO role, and he has learned lots of lessons-usually the hard way. Together, you'll explore what he's learned about the essence of the CFO role and your primary responsibilities, along with opportunities, challenges, and essentials for effectiveness.

Lots of technical finance books exist; lots of leadership books exist. This is about the intersection: leadership in the technical world of finance. This isn't a formal technical work. Rather, it encourages and challenges you to embrace and excel in your stewardship leadership role-both in the technical aspects and in the human aspects.

Not everyone understands or appreciates your role; some may even call you a "stinkin' accountant" or worse. But your role is significant. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants is about maximizing the value of your service in that significant role.

(Not a CFO? Read on anyway; this book will help you understand the CFO in your life.)

Review Quotes

"Eric Alexander has written a remarkably practical guide to leadership, which just happens to be framed through the lens of a book for CFOs. While grounded in the realities of financial leadership, its lessons apply far beyond the finance function. His 'think like a farmer' perspective resonates deeply-a refreshing reminder that all leaders have a stewardship for the growth and development of the people who ultimately determine the growth and success of the organization. Filled with wisdom, humility, and actionable insights, this book is a valuable resource for any leader seeking to make a meaningful and lasting impact." -David Kasperson, coauthor of Wall Street Journal bestseller Trust & Inspire

"Imagine that your best buddy is a whip-smart person of impeccable character who is willing to share with you his decades of hard-won, penetrating insights regarding the highest level of leadership in a business setting. Then imagine he has put all that wisdom into a book-just for you. This is that book. And Eric Alexander is that teacher you've dreamed of having. He has impeccable character, a dry and delightful wit, a treasure trove of rich experience, easy-to-follow instruction, deep and genuine humility, and battle-tested clarity and insight, all rolled into one great leader. This book belongs in your go-to library of leadership wisdom, and its truths belong in your daily practices as a steward leader." -Matt Bumstead, former president and co-owner of United Supermarkets, president of Nun Ide Consulting, and CEO in residence and former dean of Lubbock Christian University College of Business

"Most finance leadership books stop at competence. Eric Alexander starts where they end. Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants is a thoughtful, practical, and grounded guide for CFOs who already know the technical playbook and sense that something deeper is being asked of them. Drawing on decades of experience, Alexander reframes the CFO as a steward-leader entrusted with far more than 'the books': people, relationships, reputation, and the long-term value of the organization itself. The result is a finance leadership book about character, accountability, communication, and service. An important read for any finance leader serious about leading with both excellence and humility." -Dr. Patrick Behar-Courtois, author of Maximizing Organizational Performance: A Guide to Effective Performance Coaching