Becoming a fractional executive offers professionals a unique and flexible approach to leveraging their expertise and experience. One significant benefit is the ability to work with a variety of organizations across different industries simultaneously. This diversity allows fractional executives to broaden their skill set, gain exposure to various business models, and tackle diverse challenges. It provides an enriching experience that goes beyond the confines of a traditional full-time role, fostering continuous learning and adaptability. Additionally, the flexible nature of fractional executive roles enables individuals to maintain a healthier work-life balance, as they can choose the projects and commitments that align with their personal and professional priorities.
Certain other benefits come with the territory:
- Trial periods. The chemistry a given executive has with the leadership team is a critical component to the success of a relationship, but this is difficult to determine during an interview process. A fractional engagement can be considered an extended trial period before a permanent relationship is finalized.
- Freedom of thought. A fractional leader can bring a fresh perspective and a different set of experiences to the table. Without the full dependence on one engagement to make a living, fractionals are more free to speak truth, advise changes, and challenge assumptions than they would be as a full-time, long-term employee.
- Diversified portfolio. A full-time leader bound to one organization is also bound to its fate, both strategically and financially, and often for reasons beyond one’s ability to control or influence. As a fractional executive with more than one engagement, one can be somewhat insulated from the outcomes associated with any given organization.
As we’ve built our fractional careers and this website, we’ve been collecting a variety of resources that help people to get up to speed on the ins and outs of running fractional engagements. We’re continually adding to this and editing it. Please let us know if we’ve missed any good links!
Overview
- What is a fractional executive
- Voyager U runs a course for aspiring fractionals
- Fractionals United community for fractional executives
