Edition #34: When Different Bosses Want Different Things All the Time—How Do You Navigate That?

Introduction

Let me guess—you’re staring at three conflicting emails right now. The MD wants cost cuts, the Sales Head demands a bigger marketing budget, and HR insists payroll adjustments can’t wait.

You’re juggling spreadsheets, notifications, and never-ending deadlines. It’s overwhelming. It’s exhausting.

Some days, it feels like no one understands how much you’re holding together.

Today, let’s explore how to take back control—no matter how many directions you’re being pulled.

The Problem

In SMEs, especially fast-paced and unpredictable business environments, conflicting demands are an everyday reality.

Every department believes its needs are urgent and non-negotiable. Finance becomes the battlefield, where chaos brews because there’s no alignment at the top.

The result?

• You’re stretched too thin.
• Deadlines are missed.
• You start doubting your abilities—not because you’re incapable, but because the system is broken.

The truth is, you don’t need a perfect system to lead. What you need are strategies that help you bring clarity to the chaos.

A Story

Let me tell you about Emeka, an FBP at a growing SME in Lagos.

Emeka’s responsibilities spanned everything from cash flow management and payroll to budgets and forecasts. He was the “go-to” person, yet his inbox was always flooded with competing demands.

The CEO wanted aggressive cost-cutting. Marketing was demanding more budget. Operations pushed for immediate equipment approvals.

No one was aligned.

Emeka worked harder, staying late into the night, but the harder he worked, the more demands piled up. It felt impossible to keep up.

One day, after a chaotic budget meeting where three department heads were at each other’s throats, Emeka decided enough was enough.

He needed a new approach.

Emeka started asking sharper questions, documenting every decision, and holding weekly budget alignment meetings with key leaders. Over time, he shifted his role from a “yes man” to a trusted strategic advisor who could align priorities and drive decisions.

The transformation was remarkable:

• Confusion turned into clarity.
• His team began to trust his leadership.
• And instead of firefighting, Emeka began shaping the company’s financial strategy.

Ajibola’s Tips

To thrive in a chaotic SME environment like Emeka did, here’s how you can regain control:

1?? ?????? ?????? ?????????? ??????????????????

Not every request is urgent—or even necessary. Sharpen your questioning to uncover what truly matters.

Action Tip:

When a request comes in, ask:

• What’s the goal of this request?
• How does it align with our immediate priorities?
• What happens if it’s delayed?

These questions will help you filter out noise and focus on what drives real impact.

2?? ?????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????

Chaos often stems from misalignment at the top. As the FBP, you have a unique role in bringing clarity to leadership.

Action Tip:

Propose a weekly or biweekly budget alignment meeting. Use this to review priorities, resolve conflicts, and ensure every department is on the same page.

3?? ???????????????? ?????????? ??????????????

Verbal agreements often lead to misunderstandings. Written documentation creates clarity and accountability.

Action Tip:

After any major discussion, send a follow-up email summarising:

• Key points.
• Agreed priorities.
• Deadlines.

This protects you when priorities shift and ensures alignment.

4?? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????????????????

You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Your job is to focus on what matters most for the company’s financial health.

Action Tip:

Rank tasks by urgency and impact. Communicate these rankings to stakeholders. For example:

• High Priority: Payroll approvals (urgent).
• Medium Priority: Cost analysis (strategic).
• Low Priority: Travel budgets (can wait).

5?? ?????????????? ???????? ????????????

You can’t lead effectively if you’re drained. Set boundaries to ensure you can focus on high-value tasks.

Action Tip:

Block out 1–2 hours daily as “focus time.” Let your team know you’re unavailable during this period.

In chaos, leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about choosing what matters most and having the courage to stick to it.

Grow With Us

Feeling overwhelmed by conflicting demands? Our mentorship program is designed to help FBPs in SMEs like you master the art of clarity, alignment, and strategic leadership.

Let’s work together to turn chaos into control—and stress into growth.

Conclusion

When everyone wants something different, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. But you’re not.

Your role isn’t to make everyone happy—it’s to guide the company toward its financial goals with clarity and focus. Ask the right questions, align leadership, and protect your energy.

You’re not just managing chaos—you’re leading through it. And that’s what makes you invaluable.

Cheers, Ajibola