Thriving as a Fractional Worker: Insights from CTOs in the Field

Working as a fractional worker offers a world of possibilities, granting flexibility and exposure to diverse projects. However, maintaining motivation and productivity in this independent role can be challenging. In this blog post, we will explore the strategies shared by three CTOs from the Fractional Consultant Community (FCC) to help you excel in your fractional career.

For Khalil Dimachkie, a fractional CTO, maintaining motivation stems from the realisation that the quality of his work directly impacts his reputation within the industry, and represents him as a professional. Having an understanding that client recommendations are vital, and delivering exceptional results serves as a gateway to further opportunities, helps him to remain motivated and productive within his fractional career. Additionally, he enjoys the freedom and flexibility of working with people and companies that he finds interesting and promising as well as being able to have multiple clients at a time.

Mehmood Hasan, Director of Agility & Transformation, stresses the importance of establishing and adhering to a routine. By setting daily goals, fractional workers gain a sense of direction and accomplishment. Mehmood also advocates incorporating activities to recharge, such as walks, exercise, meditation, or reading, into the daily routine. By cultivating productive habits, fractional workers can optimise their time and sustain focus.

Álvaro Molano, an esteemed CTO, finds motivation by selectively choosing projects aligned with his personal interests. By engaging with products and services he genuinely enjoys, Álvaro enhances his engagement and consistently delivers exceptional results. Key practices that contribute to his success include setting clear goals in collaboration with executives, prioritising quality to avoid technical debt, and fostering honest, service-based relationships with developers.

Handling multiple projects concurrently can introduce complexity and stress. To tackle these challenges, Álvaro highlights the importance of avoiding excessive fixation on details. Delegating work to competent team leaders ensures efficient task completion, allowing fractional workers to strike a balance between focused involvement and strategic delegation. This equilibrium empowers them to optimise productivity across various projects.

For fractional workers, maintaining motivation and productivity is paramount for success. By prioritising work quality, establishing routines, aligning with personal interests, setting clear goals, investing in quality, and embracing a balanced approach, fractional workers can flourish in their independent roles. Remember, each day presents an opportunity to deliver outstanding results and cultivate a reputable professional standing within your field.