Why use a
Fractional COO
To answer this, we first need to understand what a COO is.
This is not so easy as we have found that the role of a COO can vary hugely according to sector, size of business, maturity of business and where the CEO’s focus is.
A further complexity is that the role can be responsible for a wide range of business functions including legal, marketing, HR, IT, GDPR, ISO, customer service and pretty much any other function as required by the needs of the business.
However, where there is commonality in the role of a COO is in their overall approach.
The COO will tend to be focused internally, on the day-to-day running of the business, whereas the CEO’s focus will mainly be external. We further like to think of the role of a COO as that of a ‘specialist generalist’.
With that latter definition in mind, let’s try and tackle the question of whether you need a COO at all and how do you reach the decision to bring one in. In our experience, there are four main triggers which would indicate that you might need a COO, and these are:
- You, as CEO, MD or Business Owner, have too much to do
- You need someone to implement ideas
- You need to strengthen your Board’s leadership
- Not enough time is being spent on improving the business
These triggers could occur at any time with the first two points being most likely to come up in early stage start-ups and SMEs, which are undergoing rapid growth and points 3 and 4 more likely to be issues in mature businesses, which are looking to ensure that their strategic direction will enable profitable and sustained growth.
Having understood what a COO could do and when to bring one in, the final question to consider is how do you bring in a COO? What if the issues which prompted you to consider hiring a COO are short-term or episodic? Getting the right COO might take a long time to recruit and may be expensive and what if you find out that they are not fully utilised?
This is when bringing in a Fractional COO should be considered. A Fractional COO offers a flexible and cost-effective solution that allows you to tap into the expertise of a seasoned executive without the long-term commitment. Typically, a fractional engagement would be for a set number of days per month for a period of 3 months or more. This differs from an interim appointment which would be more appropriate if you have a specific transformation programme to deliver, which needs a full-time executive.
Phil has been working with my team at Nightingale for over a year, helping us to grow by providing practical, hands-on help around operations and HR issues as well as advice, support, mentoring and coaching. He is approachable, friendly and knowledgeable and has always known how to steer us in the right direction when we come across something we're not sure about. I'd highly recommend him for any business owner who's looking to significantly up their game with regard to the efficiency and functioning of their business - Phil has saved us a lot of time and effort around setting up effective processes, ensuring that when we're ready to take the next step in progressing the business, we're ready to go and no key details get forgotten. He has served on our advisory board since the start of 2023, providing contacts, advice, accountability and ideas to support our growth.
Phil's worked with us over the past few years as COO and really helped us to refine our business strategy and operations. He's taken on the tasks that our essential to a business, and made sure our legal, HR and strategies are in place to allow us to progress with building our business. I'd recommend Phil to anyone out there looking for a COO, a mentor or more simply, to take care of the basics that allow you to grow and run a successful business.
Phil is a great operational specialist and leader; he questions the norm and is constantly looking to improve any business he is involved in. He has great leadership skills that mean his teams are well motivated and constantly striving to deliver challenging goals and objectives.
Myself and the wider team at Easy R&D Limited, had the pleasure of working closely with Phil Webster in the second half of 2023 and I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most effective and incisive professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
Phil has the rare ability to listen, understand and act, which he used to great effect in his role as Fractional COO at Easy R&D. Phil's brief was to prioritise those business areas which would enable us to focus more on Business Development activities.
Overall, I would highly recommend Phil Webster where Operational support is thought to be needed. Phil is a talented and dedicated professional with a great attitude and an exceptional work ethic. Any team or organisation would be lucky to have him on board.
Phil is a standout operator in his field. He's wise, pragmatic and a strategic thinker who constantly adds value to CEOs who are looking to develop, grow or re-evaluate their business strategy and operations. Phil's greatest strength is his ability to bring together all the disparate parts that make up business strategy. I'd highly recommend him to any business leader who's looking for wise counsel with a sprinkle of humour and smart thinking.
Phil is an extremely intelligent, motivated and high performing individual who would make a great addition to any team or organisation. We have the pleasure of having Phil work with us on a range of issues, where he has demonstrated an ability to solve problems which has helped us drive forward with great efficiency. I would recommend Phil to anyone looking to bolster their team and take their company to the next level. He is a truly exceptional person, with a head full of great ideas!
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