My years of experience both behind the corporate desk and
"between the goal posts" have taught me that being a hockey goalie is very similar to being a
financial executive in a functioning company;
- The goalie will never reap the glory of scoring the winning goal. In
a functioning company, the winning goals are scored by the sales, marketing,
and operating personnel.
- Goalies tend goal as a preventive function - they spring into action when
the offense is not scoring enough, or there are lapses in the defense.
Similarly, a good financial executive earns his pay the most when sales are
down, the expense level is not justified by the sales volume, and
profitability is suffering.
- Goalies are willing to throw their bodies in front of blazing pucks and
on-rushing players. Good financial executives will likewise throw
themselves into the company's crisis's to help snuff out the danger,
mitigate the damage, and get things back on track.
- By remaining anchored at one end of the rink, the goalie is able to keep a
constant perspective on the game that many other players may lose in the
heat of the battle. Likewise, the financial executive is often called
upon to report on the team's progress and prospects, and to bridge the gaps
between the details and the big picture.
- Goalies and good financial executives are always focused on protecting the
team's goals.
- Goalies rely on a combination of reflexes, training, improvisation, and
discipline. Good financial executives realize that one skill does not
fit all situations, and make sure that they are well rounded, adaptable, and
that their actions are appropriate to the needs of the team.
- If the team played perfectly, the goalie would hardly be
needed.
Does your current accountant or financial advisor
understand this?
If not, call someone with years of experience both in the nets and in the
boardroom at 847-681-9020, or e-mail to
michaelgoldman@mindspring.com.
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Michael Goldman & Associates, L.L.C. - Consulting
& CPA Services 
