Discussion Questions for Profitable Expectations: An Accountant Rising to the Challenge

Chapters 42 - 47

1. What are the new model's implications for Chris's department? How important are the proposed changes probably going to be for the company's overall profitability?
2. What are the new model's implications for Rich's department? How important are the proposed changes probably going to be for the company's overall profitability?
3. What ideas is the Admiral getting because of the new model? How important are the proposed changes probably going to be for the company's overall profitability?
4. How did the Admiral's management style change the culture at PlumbCo? What was the impact of those changes on profit?
5. Who did PlumbCo select as its new CEO? Why that person?
6. Do you believe Marcella would have moved beyond being a financial accounting-oriented controller had Alex not raised his expectations of the position? Why or why not?
7. How would you rank the importance of technical accounting skills, critical thinking skills, and interpersonal skills in Marcella's success? Please rank these skills from most important to least important. Then explain the rationale behind your ranking.
8. As a business manager, would you be satisfied with a Controller like Marcella at the beginning of the book, or would you rather have one like Marcella later in the book? Why?
9. What else did you learn from reading these chapters that was interesting and/or surprising?