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Challenges with Fractional Leadership

World at Work

Release Date: 08/19/2025

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"The more time you give for something to happen, the greater the scope creep that occurs." Notable Moments [00:01:34] Mike introduces the common misconception that fractional leadership always takes a long time. [00:02:52] Rethinking six-to-twelve-month agreements—asking “what if” it could be faster. [00:05:22] How two-week sprints provide structure, focus, and accountability. [00:07:36] Using sprints to continually assess fit between leader and organization. [00:09:44] Why a beginner’s mind is critical to avoid assumptions. [00:11:42] The difference between sprint-based work and...

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More Episodes

"The more time you give for something to happen, the greater the scope creep that occurs."

Notable Moments

[00:01:34] Mike introduces the common misconception that fractional leadership always takes a long time.

[00:02:52] Rethinking six-to-twelve-month agreements—asking “what if” it could be faster.

[00:05:22] How two-week sprints provide structure, focus, and accountability.

[00:07:36] Using sprints to continually assess fit between leader and organization.

[00:09:44] Why a beginner’s mind is critical to avoid assumptions.

[00:11:42] The difference between sprint-based work and traditional retainer models.

[00:12:17] Tim shares his first experience at Buc-ee’s—and connects it to designing for customer needs.

[00:14:44] Resources from Mike: FindMyCatalyst.com/fractional and the Find My Catalyst podcast.

Fractional leadership often carries the assumption that meaningful progress requires six to twelve months. In this episode, Tim Dyck and Mike Simmons explore why that belief can hold organizations back. They discuss the benefits of short, focused sprints, how to prevent scope creep, and why continually assessing fit between leaders and organizations leads to better outcomes. Along the way, they share practical frameworks, reflections on leadership assumptions, and even a surprising Buc-ee’s story.

Read the blog for more from this episode. 

Connect with Mike Simmons:

FindMyCatalyst.com

Find My Catalyst podcast

Fractional Resources

Connect with Tim and his team:

Website: https://bestculturesolutions.ca/

LinkedIn: Best Culture Solutions, Inc

Instagram: @best.culture.solutions  

Email: tim@bestculturesolutions.ca