When fractional leadership can help
You may need someone to lead sales while you recruit, take responsibility for a commercial project or support a founder who is managing both sales and the wider business.
Agreeing the role
Define the responsibilities, decision-making authority and time commitment with the CEO or board. The arrangement can allow time to be used around business needs, with the detail and any changes agreed in the engagement terms.
Roles to discuss
- Sales director: pipeline, sales process and team leadership.
- Chief revenue or growth officer: sales and other commercial functions.
- Chief operating officer: operational and commercial responsibilities.
- Chief executive: leadership during an agreed period or transition.
Planning the first months
Review the business, agree priorities and set up the meetings and reporting needed to manage the work. The 90-day planning guide is an illustrative starting point; the actual plan depends on the role.
Fractional, interim or permanent?
Fractional support suits a role that needs part of an executive's time. A full-time interim appointment covers a temporary full-time need. A permanent appointment may be appropriate when the business needs and can support that ongoing commitment.
Fees and timing
Fractional leadership is scoped around committed time. Agree the monthly fee, availability, notice and responsibilities in the proposal. Compare the scope with a full-time role before comparing costs.
Questions about fractional leadership
Can the role include managing the sales team?
Yes, where this is part of the agreed role and authority.
Can you help with a permanent appointment?
Recruitment and handover support can be discussed as part of the scope.
How much time would we need?
That depends on the responsibilities and the support already in the business. Discuss the role before setting the commitment.
Discuss the role
Email Christopher with a short description of your business and what you need help with. Arrange a conversation.