How Can a Fractional COO Unify My Team?
Disconnection. Miscommunication. Silos.
These are some of the most common barriers to growth and most businesses don’t even realize how deeply these issues are baked into their operations. These are some signs that you may need some help.
That’s where a Fractional COO comes in.
A Fractional COO isn’t just an outsourced executive. They’re a unifier, someone who steps in with experience, objectivity, and structure to align your team, streamline communication, and bring focus back to what matters most.
Here’s how they do it.
1. They Break Down Silos
In many businesses, departments operate in isolation. Operations don’t talk to sales. Sales don’t talk to accounting. Everyone’s rowing, but not in the same direction.
A Fractional COO fixes that by:
• Mapping out processes and identifying breakdowns in communication
• Facilitating cross-functional workflows
• Ensuring everyone knows how their role fits into the bigger picture
When teams start collaborating instead of colliding, you get efficiency and unity.
2. They Align the Team Around Clear, Measurable Goals
Most teams work hard but not always toward the same outcomes. A Fractional COO introduces goal-setting frameworks like Management by Objectives (MBO), where every team member’s efforts are tied to company-wide priorities.
The result?
• Less confusion, more clarity
• Better accountability
• A team that knows why their work matters
According to Gallup, teams that feel connected to company goals are 21% more productive. Alignment isn’t just good for culture, it’s good for business.
3. They Bring Transparency Through Metrics
When no one knows what “success” looks like, everyone makes their own version.
Fractional COOs solve this by implementing dashboards, KPIs, and regular performance check-ins that give your team a shared understanding of what matters and how they’re doing.
This kind of data transparency builds trust and reduces confusion. It turns guesswork into goalposts.
4. They Coach, Not Just Command
The best fractional COOs don’t just manage, they mentor.
They take time to coach department leads, develop future managers, and build systems that support sustainable growth even after they’re gone. You’re not just getting structure, you’re getting stronger leaders in the process.
5. They Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement
A Fractional COO brings fresh eyes to longstanding problems. And because they’re not caught in office politics or internal drama, they can guide change without ruffling feathers.
They:
• Introduce leaner, smarter ways of working
• Implement regular feedback loops
• Create a safe space for improvement and innovation
And they do all of this while respecting the company culture you’ve built.
The Real ROI: A Unified Team
When your team is unified, you get:
• Faster decision-making
• Increased efficiency
• Better morale
• Stronger retention
And ultimately better bottom-line results.
A Fractional COO isn’t just a temporary fix. They’re a strategic partner who helps align your team, improve execution, and create a foundation for long-term growth.
Thinking About Bringing One In?
If you’re a business owner, especially in the trades or blue-collar industries, and your team feels like it’s spinning in different directions it may be time for help at the top.
A Fractional COO could be the missing link to unify your people, your processes, and your priorities.
Let’s Talk.
Looking for a unifier, not just an executor? ATLATL Business Solutions specializes in placing seasoned fractional COOs in companies that need clarity, structure, and team-wide alignment.
Book a free discovery call today → Contact Us
