Our Head of Finance has great financial acumen, but her Kolbe A Index shows a 2 in Follow Thru, and our financial reporting processes are completely disorganized. Can we coach her to build these systems, or is this a fundamental conative mismatch for the seat?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

This is a classic conative mismatch. The Kolbe A Index measures instinctive strengths, and a score of 2 in Follow Thru indicates a natural resistance to creating, maintaining, or adhering to rigid systems. People with this score thrive in environments that require adaptability, customization, and spontaneity.

However, the Head of Finance seat on your Accountability Chart absolutely demands high systematic structure, consistency, and process execution. Financial reporting cannot be customized or spontaneous; it must follow a strict, repeatable rhythm. Expecting someone with a 2 in Follow Thru to build and maintain these financial systems is like asking a fish to climb a tree. It is not a matter of skill or intelligence; it is a matter of natural cognitive energy.

You cannot coach someone to change their conative makeup. If you try to force her to build these systems, she will eventually burn out and experience severe cognitive fatigue.

To solve this, you have two choices. First, you can restructure her seat by hiring or promoting a strong Follow Thru controller or operations manager to support her. This support person would own the system design and execution, allowing your Head of Finance to focus on strategic financial analysis and deal structures, where her adaptability may be an asset.

If the business is too small to support this dual structure, then she does not GWC the seat. You must find a leader for the finance seat who naturally possesses the conative drive to design and enforce tight operational systems.