5 Roles that Should Always Be Full-Time in An Organization

When it comes to the essential roles within an organization, our inquiry to seasoned professionals yielded five unique perspectives. Highlighting insights from Founders to CEOs, we explore why certain positions, like the Product Owner and CEO, demand a full-time presence. From the importance of avoiding fractional product owners to the necessity of full-time leadership and strategy roles, discover the critical functions that should never be fractional.

• Avoid Fractional Product Owners
• Full-Time HR Directors Are Essential
• COO Positions Require a Full Commitment
• Undivided CEO Presence Is Crucial
• Leadership and Strategy Roles Demand Full Attention

Avoid Fractional Product Owners

We have found that hiring fractional help for a product owner is really difficult. The role of a product owner is to understand the market deeply enough to inform clear product priorities, and if an individual is spread across multiple audiences and markets, it is too difficult to be effective.

Cache Merrill, Founder, Zibtek

Full-Time HR Directors Are Essential

The role of Human Resources Director should generally not be fractional in an organization, primarily due to the nature of their responsibilities and the importance of continuity in their functions.

The role of Human Resources Director involves managing sensitive employee-related issues, including recruitment, retention, performance management, and compliance with employment laws. It requires building trust and rapport with employees, understanding the nuances of the workplace culture, and being readily available to handle unexpected HR issues that can arise. A fractional HR Director might not be as effective in deeply engaging with the workforce or promptly addressing urgent matters, which could impact employee morale and organizational compliance.

These roles are crucial for maintaining the stability and growth of a company, and typically, their full-time presence can be essential for fostering a strong, cohesive organizational culture and executing long-term strategic goals.

Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House

COO Positions Require a Full Commitment

Consider a scenario at Spectup, where leadership faced the decision of whether to hire fractional executives versus full-time leaders for key roles. They quickly recognized that certain positions, particularly the COO, must be filled by dedicated individuals due to the depth of involvement and influence required.

The COO, or Chief Operating Officer, plays a critical role in managing day-to-day operations and ensuring that the company's strategic goals are effectively implemented. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the business, continuous oversight of operations, and the ability to make quick decisions that align with the company’s long-term objectives. A fractional COO might struggle to maintain the continuity and immediate responsiveness that are crucial for operational success.

In both cases, the complexities and demands of these roles make them ill-suited to a fractional arrangement.

Niclas Schlopsna, Managing Consultant and CEO, spectup

Undivided CEO Presence Is Crucial

One role that should never be divided in an organization is that of the CEO. This position calls for undivided attention and commitment to effectively steer the company forward. Being accountable as a CEO means setting the vision and direction of the company. This demands regular interaction with shareholders and employees while staying in sync with industry trends. A fractional CEO may not have the knowledge and presence necessary to make strategic choices or direct long-term growth.

Another key responsibility of a CEO is establishing relations with investors, board members, and major customers. Trustworthiness, consistency, and approachability are the basis for these relationships. However, a part-time role can limit their availability, failing to build such bonds and creating missed opportunities. A fractional leader may find it hard to create a sense of unity among employees because they'll work only a few days a week, thus lacking proper follow-up.

Dhari Alabdulhadi, CTO and Founder, Ubuy New Zealand

Leadership and Strategy Roles Demand Full Attention

Two roles that should never be fractional in an organization are leadership positions and key strategic roles. Let me break it down for you.

Let's talk about leadership positions. These roles, whether it's the CEO, COO, or any other C-suite role, play a crucial role in setting the direction of the company, driving its vision, and ensuring that everyone is aligned and motivated to achieve common goals. Imagine if the CEO's responsibilities were divided among multiple people or shared with other departments. It would lead to confusion, lack of accountability, and ultimately, a disjointed strategy. You see, leadership requires a cohesive vision and decisive action, and fractionalizing these roles would dilute that effectiveness.

Strategic roles should also remain intact within an organization. These could include positions like Chief Strategy Officer or heads of specific strategic departments. These individuals are responsible for analyzing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and formulating long-term plans to ensure the organization's sustainability and success. Fractionalizing these roles would risk losing the holistic perspective needed to make informed strategic decisions. Without dedicated individuals focused solely on strategy, the organization may struggle to adapt to changing environments and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Matt Little, Director and Entrepreneur, Festoon House

When considering hiring fractional talent for leadership positions, keep the above insights in mind. For expert staffing solutions tailored to nonprofits and post-secondary education, contact Fox Fractional today!