What It’s Really Like Being a Fractional COO or Chief of Staff
Being a fractional COO or Chief of Staff is not about fancy titles. It is about stepping into a growing company, seeing what’s really going on, and helping the founder move from constant firefighting to clear direction. Scott Adams explains what the work actually looks like and why so many companies need it more than they realize.
Key Takeaways
Most founders think they need one thing, but usually need a mix of operations support and strategic alignment.
Listening is the first real job. You can’t fix anything until you understand why decisions were made.
Fractional roles work because companies pay for expertise, not hours. Results matter more than time spent.
Notable Quotes
“You’re not paying for my time. You’re paying for my knowledge.”
“Operations is the day to day. Chief of Staff is the big picture. Both need each other.”
“If you’re improving a little every day, the results take care of themselves.”
Real-World Applications
Restructuring processes
Example: A team uses eight different software tools. A fractional COS reviews the workflow, cuts unnecessary tools, and creates one clean system everyone follows.Strategic realignment
Example: A company is drifting without goals. A fractional COO sets quarterly objectives, links them to the company’s direction, and ensures every person knows what they’re accountable for.Introducing healthy change
Example: Employees fear that a new outsider means layoffs. A fractional COS meets people one by one, asks what’s working and what’s not, and builds trust before suggesting improvements.
Fractional COOs and Chiefs of Staff help companies grow with clarity and structure. They bring focus, ask the hard questions, and help teams work better together. For founders who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or stretched thin, the right fractional partner can change everything.
Time Stamps:
00:42 Scott Adams' Unique Career Path
01:36 Launching Wellness Services and Scaling
02:51 Founding Adams Consulting Firm
03:48 Understanding Client Needs and Fit
05:27 Scaling Companies and Growth Challenges
10:01 COO vs. Chief of Staff Roles
17:54 Balancing Multiple Engagements
19:10 Value of Knowledge Over Time
22:37 Building Relationships Across Multiple Companies
24:06 Listening and Engaging with Teams
26:19 Transitioning from Listening to Action
29:12 Empowering Teams and Encouraging Self-Sufficiency
31:39 The Role and Impact of a Fractional Chief of Staff
37:26 Setting Ambitious Goals and Measuring Progress
40:24 The Importance of Incremental Improvement
41:57 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
Links Mentioned:
Scott Adams' Website: www.jetstreamway.com
Connect with Scott Adam on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/adams-scott
About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.