The Finance Quadrant: Financial Avoidance

John was in a meeting when the financials were projected onto the big screen. As the numbers were presented, he slowly sank into his chair. 

Even though he was surrounded by his peers. He felt alone. 

John didn’t understand financial data. But he didn’t ask because he didn’t want to lose face in front of his peers.

Research shows that John is not alone.

The majority of managers and front line supervisors respond the same way when they don’t understand financial data. They don’t ask.

 Harvard Business Review

I describe this as Financial Avoidance. You doubt your financial knowledge. And you doubt the numbers that are presented. This doubt may also lead to denial. “These aren’t my numbers (therefore) it’s not my problem.”

One sporting stat

The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicked off in France two weeks ago – 48 matches over 51 days. It is especially long this year because the sport’s governing body, World Rugby, accepted teams' requests to have five days of rest between matches so players can properly recover.

How does it compare to the length of other two major sporting events?

• 2020 Summer Olympics: 17 days

• 2022 FIFA World Cup: 29 days

• 2023 Rugby World Cup: 51 days

Credit Joe Pompliano.