Every small business owner knows the value of project management. But even the best project manager can only do so much, no matter how many tools and techniques you try. Strategic support from a fractional COO can make the difference, empowering project managers and keeping teams on course.
Without Systems, Teams Struggle
A team of five gets a lot done when they’re all talented and driven. But juggling client questions and communication and tracking everyone’s tasks gets overwhelming without a big-picture, foundational set of strategies working together to move things forward.
Everyone on a small team wears a lot of hats, and that can be a strength. But without good systems or documented SOPs, work becomes more reactive than proactive. When processes aren’t clearly defined, teams create the day as it happens. No matter how adept they are, project managers without clear systems and processes are always playing catch-up.
Fractional COOs and Project Managers: Common Strengths
Fractional COOs and project managers work well together because they understand the value of systems and strategies. Fractional COOs set things up, project managers keep them going.
If a small business needs a payroll system set up and implemented, a fractional COO works with leadership on selection and setup, providing SOPs for using it well and getting the team onboarded/acclimated to the new tool. From there, the project manager ensures payroll stays on track. With their oversight, team members are turning in time sheets, the software is working, and everyone is getting paid.
Here’s what the most effective fractional COOs and project managers have in common:
- They’re highly process-driven. Tools, structure, and systems are essential for successful outcomes.
- They’re connectors: They both bring teams together to get things done efficiently.
- Clarity is key. Both fractional COOs and project managers want to keep paths and processes clear to keep things moving forward.
Different Scope, Different Skills
Collaboration between project managers and fractional COOs is high-impact because each role has differing, complementary skills. Work isn’t duplicated, it’s streamlined.
Let’s say you’re in commercial construction, and your firm is working on a build-out.
- Before the Project: The fractional COO understands the company’s big-picture: their budget, long-term goals, and so on. They communicate these priorities to the project manager, and both understand how the build-out fits into the big picture.
- During the Project: The PM uses their expertise in tactics/execution to keep things dialed in. The fractional COO remains a strategic guide, offering the supporting leadership necessary for PMs to coordinate the people and resources needed to get the build-out done.
Project Managers are responsible for day-to-day execution. The fractional COO oversees and develops the systems and processes necessary for project success. When aligned, they make a great team: even small organizations can have a big impact.
Determining Next Steps
If you’re trying to build and scale your business, you can’t do it while putting out fires. Without clarity for systems or processes, you’re cycling through fatigue and overwhelm. It feels like you’re treading water. You’re constantly over time, over budget, or both. If your project manager is stretched beyond the scope of their role, even their normal tasks might be falling behind. If you’re seeing these warning signs, hiring a fractional COO could be a game-changer for your small business.
Consider the possibilities:
- Better operational support and project management across the organization
- Everyone understands their roles, processes, and goals
- Reduced fight-or-flight (and reactive decision-making that comes with it)
- Quicker progress and better change management
- Systems that Increase efficiency across the board
- Better communication between teams, leaders, and departments
- Happier clients, better products, and much less burnout among talented team members
Need Both? We Can Do That
If you have a capable project manager, our fractional COOs are ready to collaborate for their success, which brings your entire team forward. If you’re still building your team, our operations support includes project management. Whether growing, scaling, or somewhere in between, we can meet you and your team where you are.
Strategic planning, documentation for key processes/procedures, whatever you need. We can customize the systems that help you get results. If you want to develop in-house operations experts from within your project management team, we can offer the coaching and career development path necessary for them to do their best work. Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Connect with us today to book a discovery call and explore the possibilities.