Crisis – Fractional Leadership: the New Normal?

The two brush strokes for the word 'crisis in Chinese are often translated as "dangerous opportunity," whereas it really translates into "Be aware of the danger -but recognize the opportunity.”

Post pandemic business has seen the loss of revenue, supply chain, staff, and leadership changes, which have left a void of expertise and skill in many areas.

The aftermath of a crisis, however, brings with it a “new normal.” We handle this new reality by taking a step back, considering new approaches, adopting new thinking, and even hiring/retaining new leadership.

Want to be agile and nimble? Need to develop laser focus and create a growth strategy? Consider fractional help.

Simply put, fractional leadership is hiring leadership experts part-time or for a specific project or engagement. Fractional leaders are expert consultants – in sales, marketing, finance, sustainability, supply chain, or strategic growth. Fractional leaders often engage with clients for several months to a year. The objective here is to help reset the company; help restore order, profitability, direction, or focus but rarely is it intended to be permanent.

"From Fragile to Agile is the journey of a fractional leader. A consultant who can step in, step up and yet be ready to gently walk away, leaving direction, order, and focus is the gift of the fractional leader."

After analyzing the status quo and assessing an often-dire situation, a fractional leader will make critical decisions and recommendations to company executives. The fractional leader may recommend cost-cutting measures in one organization or changes in the process for another. Introducing a fractional leader allows for a fresh set of eyes to help move a company forward and set it up for sustainable success.

Taking advantage of the fractional leaders’ deep and multi-faceted experience across multiple industries allows an organization to gain wisdom, insight, essential objectivity, and a big-picture perspective that cannot be marshaled in-house. The difference between a simply hired consultant and a true fractional leader is the level of vested commitment they bring to your organization.

When you hire a fractional leader, they bring their commitment and intelligence to you not just for a specific project but as an over-arching supportive guide who is prepared to come back again and again as the needs arise. These are not traditional hired guns but professionals with integrity, honor, and skill.

"A fractional leader can not only provide tactical wisdom, but experienced strategic-level development, honed by years of corporate experience. Here again, a fractional leadership view can be critical to having the perspective necessary to drive impactful change."

Fractional leadership creates a win-win for the client and their staff. The Fractional leader can help an organization make tough decisions and implement new strategic initiatives to pivot from immediate struggles to a “new normal” of success.

To learn more about 4xi or our HQ: Fractional Leadership On-demand, email us at hello@4xiconsulting.com or click the link below.

4xi: Inspiring a brighter future, together.

4xi Global Consulting & Solutions is a team of talented leaders from both the client-side and service provider side, creating an impact on the Human Experience (HX) for people at work, in education, rest, and at leisure.

We believe in a people-first, experience-led philosophy; whether client, employee, or guest – their experience is the fundamental foundation of success.

We work with corporations, service providers, and innovators:

Strategic Advisory & Special Projects (SPx)
Headquarters Fractional Support On-Demand
Global Amenities Strategy, Design & Operations
Explorers Innovation Directory: Gateway to Innovation
Market Research Reports & Benchmarking

4xi is proud to be Chair of WORKTECH Academy for North America and a member of its Leadership Advisory Board. 4xi is a Global Ambassador for WORKTECH Academy.