You aren’t imagining it…fractional leadership is having a moment. LinkedIn profiles mentioning fractional leadership have risen dramatically, from 2,000 in 2022 to 110,000 in 2024. It’s no surprise that with the overall rise of the freelance economy since 2020 (a monumental 89% increase, according to 2024 data from MBO Partners), senior level experts are joining the ranks of this thriving, independent talent pool.
What is fractional leadership?
According to John Arms, an expert in fractional leadership and marketing systems, a fractional leader:
- Occupies a leadership role
- Is a permanent team member
- Fills their seat in a fraction of the time thought necessary
This “permanence” differs from a consultant because the leader is not solving a defined problem and moving on to the next organization. Rather, this individual is embedded in the organization’s leadership team, weighing in on strategy and often leading the charge on multiple projects, while sometimes also managing full-time employees.
How could my organization benefit from this trend?
There are numerous advantages to seeking fractional support. Start-ups and small-to-medium sized organizations can hire in expertise they may not be able to afford on a full-time basis. These businesses can add senior level experience to their teams from individuals who have often worked across multiple industries and organizations and have a wide lens of industry knowledge, bringing fresh insights and energy to the established leadership group.
By removing the red tape and long runway typically involved with hiring, onboarding and training new employees, organizations can bring in fractional resources to staff up more quickly to address specific initiatives that are time-bound. Once fractional leaders add value to defined projects, they are often kept on to continue to push forward other organizational priorities that full-time staff cannot manage alone.
A related concept intended to lighten the load on existing C-level staff that is increasing in popularity is “fractional twinning” – hiring part-time, high-level support so that C-level staff can focus on the day-to-day of running the company. Twins can be identical or non-identical, i.e., have the same skillset or complementary; each can be valuable in adding knowledge and bandwidth, depending on the executive’s needs.
What’s in it for the fractional employee?
You may be sold on considering fractional resources to address some lagging projects, but have a nagging question…why would a seasoned professional be willing to step away from a lucrative, full-time gig to help you out on a part-time basis? Fractional leaders are typically at a point in their careers where they are willing to trade benefit and bonus-rich packages for flexibility and freedom to pursue other interests. Some welcome the challenge of plugging in at multiple organizations, allowing them to grow their expertise across company types or industries.
How do I find a fractional resource?
Explore your network. You may be surprised to find connections through LinkedIn or professionals you know and interact with regularly. Once you’ve identified the need, you can put out feelers to seek specific support for your organization.
Contact us. Dorsett Consulting is a network of senior-level professionals who help small and medium-sized businesses bridge gaps in expertise and bandwidth. We’re flexible – open to fractional, retainer, contract, and project-based work – whatever you need. We become an extension of our clients’ teams to help them reach their goals.