So here's the question I posed there, and let me ask you now:
Transitions into new roles can be stressful, so does fractional work make for a more stressful situation, with so many transitions? Or does the smaller commitment lead to a smaller investment in getting integrated into the company and its culture?
Sorry I missed your question. I thought long before I start writing this reply. Weirdly, I did not feel stress at any transition even though there should be some.
I believe to a large extent, the acknowledgement that one is fractional somewhat detaches one emotionally from being too invested. I’m not saying that is the right path (I seriously do not know). But I had been in situations where I over-invested and was left disappointed at the outcome.
Maybe also because I structure my obligations as a supplier (I invoice my clients every month) instead of them paying me as an employee at reduced hours). Others will also treat you like a supplier hence the culture bit does not often get communicated across.
It’s somewhat like those rom-com where a couple pretends to be a couple for other reasons and then eventually fell in love for real. But in work setting, there is no happy ending since I do not ever want to be employed.
If the fractional entry point is for an eventual full-time conversion, then yes, the commitment may have ROI. But for me, I take each as a tour of duty. I troubleshoot and solve problems, not to “create synergies” whatever that means.
So I try to side-step obstacles (even internal ones) that may impede me from solving the actual problems. More often than not, I step on toes but that (I feel) is something clients should be aware of when they bring in a fixer.
Thanks Adrian, it’s helpful to understand your approach. Coming at issues as a fixer rather than as a part-time employee is a different mindset that can allow you to stay laser-focused on the issues that need addressing. That’s good to know.
Oh, and don’t worry, you didn’t miss my question! I hadn’t tagged you in my note, just linked to your CNA piece, I only just saw today your newsletter here. 🙂
What a coincidence, I just shared your CNA article in a note last week. 😛
https://substack.com/@drwillt/note/c-235407893?r=5zc0ar&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web
So here's the question I posed there, and let me ask you now:
Transitions into new roles can be stressful, so does fractional work make for a more stressful situation, with so many transitions? Or does the smaller commitment lead to a smaller investment in getting integrated into the company and its culture?
Hi Will,
Sorry I missed your question. I thought long before I start writing this reply. Weirdly, I did not feel stress at any transition even though there should be some.
I believe to a large extent, the acknowledgement that one is fractional somewhat detaches one emotionally from being too invested. I’m not saying that is the right path (I seriously do not know). But I had been in situations where I over-invested and was left disappointed at the outcome.
Maybe also because I structure my obligations as a supplier (I invoice my clients every month) instead of them paying me as an employee at reduced hours). Others will also treat you like a supplier hence the culture bit does not often get communicated across.
It’s somewhat like those rom-com where a couple pretends to be a couple for other reasons and then eventually fell in love for real. But in work setting, there is no happy ending since I do not ever want to be employed.
If the fractional entry point is for an eventual full-time conversion, then yes, the commitment may have ROI. But for me, I take each as a tour of duty. I troubleshoot and solve problems, not to “create synergies” whatever that means.
So I try to side-step obstacles (even internal ones) that may impede me from solving the actual problems. More often than not, I step on toes but that (I feel) is something clients should be aware of when they bring in a fixer.
Thanks Adrian, it’s helpful to understand your approach. Coming at issues as a fixer rather than as a part-time employee is a different mindset that can allow you to stay laser-focused on the issues that need addressing. That’s good to know.
Oh, and don’t worry, you didn’t miss my question! I hadn’t tagged you in my note, just linked to your CNA piece, I only just saw today your newsletter here. 🙂