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Understanding what "fractional COO" means and how this operational leadership model works.
"Fractional COO" means a Chief Operating Officer who works part-time (a "fraction" of full-time hours)—typically 1-3 days per week—providing strategic operational leadership to multiple companies simultaneously.
The word "fractional" refers to time commitment, not capability or authority. A fractional COO works a fraction of full-time hours but delivers full-time-caliber strategic leadership.
COO stands for Chief Operating Officer—the executive responsible for managing day-to-day operations, building systems, leading teams, and ensuring the company executes efficiently. The COO typically reports directly to the CEO.
The industry uses "fractional" instead of "part-time" for important reasons:
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1-3 days per week, ongoing basis (6-24+ months)
$5k-$15k/month, 60-70% less than full-time
Full executive decision-making power
Embedded team member, not external consultant
vs Full-Time COO: Same expertise and authority, but works 1-3 days/week instead of 5 days. 60-70% less cost.
vs Operations Consultant: Fractional COOs make decisions and execute. Consultants advise and leave implementation to you.
vs Interim COO: Fractional works part-time ongoing. Interim works full-time temporarily (during transitions).
In Simple Terms:
A fractional COO is a senior operations executive you share with other companies, paying only for the days you need them, while getting full C-suite expertise at 60-70% savings.