The Butterfly

Through pupation the pupa changes itself into a striking butterfly. Protected from the environment within its cocoon, it undergoes a slow transformation process which allows it to reach its latent and “powerful” potential as a butterfly.

As a butterfly, the flapping of its wings causes tiny changes in the atmosphere which in turn influence the weather in faraway locations. Unrecognized at first, these flappings create sequences of cause and effect that appear obvious only in retrospect. Thus, one little butterfly symbolizes the surprising way that long chains of events develop out of seemingly insignificant actions.

The Meaning

Following these metaphors the butterfly symbolizes transformation and chaos. It not only signifies gradual change to fulfill a particular need and to influence behavior toward a specific end, but also stands for the need to prepare for a seemingly random environment.

Translated to financial change management this stands for the challenge to improve business performance and controlling cost in changing and uncertain business environments. This challenge is about securing the financial basis for long-term growth by defining a clear vision about the finance organization and implementing a coherent financial framework that is directed towards transparency and control.