40-Point Fractional Executive Evaluation Checklist
Score candidates on crisis response, resource constraint fluency, team integration, and measurable 90-day commitments. Separate operators from expensive advisors.
Scoring Framework
Rate each answer 1 to 5 based on specificity and depth. Candidates that consistently score below the midpoint tend to underperform once an engagement starts, usually because the gaps in concrete commitment, scope discipline, or implementation rigor compound over the first quarter.
Evaluation Criteria
Crisis Response and Speed
25% weightEvaluates the ability to solve urgent problems quickly using existing resources rather than requiring extended analysis phases or new tool implementations.
Sample Questions
- Can they describe fixing a critical client problem inside the first 48 to 72 hours using existing systems?
- Will they commit to specific deliverables within 30 days rather than leading with assessment phases?
- Have they resolved cash flow, security, or operational crises without bringing in additional consultants?
- Can they work effectively with incomplete information and tight deadlines?
- Do they prioritize immediate problem solving over comprehensive analysis when both are on the table?
Resource Constraint Understanding
20% weightTests whether they can deliver results within small business constraints rather than reflexively recommending Fortune 500 solutions that require significant capital investment.
Sample Questions
- Have they improved operations for companies in your revenue range and team size?
- Can they achieve results without purchasing new software or hiring additional staff?
- Do they understand working capital constraints and cash flow sensitivity at small scale?
- Have they built solutions using Excel, QuickBooks, and standard business tools that the team already uses?
- Can they explain why Fortune 500 process design tends to fail when ported into a smaller business?
Measurable Outcome Commitment
20% weightAssesses willingness to anchor the engagement to specific, measurable improvements within defined timeframes rather than retreating to strategic consulting framing.
Sample Questions
- Will they commit to specific metric improvements inside 90 days?
- Can they explain exactly how they'll measure and report their impact?
- Do they tie success to business outcomes rather than activity metrics?
- Have they achieved similar measurable results for comparable companies?
- Are they willing to adjust compensation based on performance against commitments?
Team Integration Skills
15% weightEvaluates ability to work effectively with existing staff without creating political conflicts or requiring excessive management attention from the founder.
Sample Questions
- Can they provide references describing successful collaboration with internal teams?
- Have they resolved conflicts between their recommendations and staff preferences without escalating to the founder?
- Do they show respect for existing employee expertise and institutional knowledge?
- Can they communicate complex concepts to non-specialist team members effectively?
- Have they built buy-in for process changes without creating resentment in the existing team?
Scope Discipline and Sustainability
10% weightAssesses whether they stay within their functional expertise and build solutions that survive their departure rather than creating ongoing dependency.
Sample Questions
- Do they refer problems outside their expertise to appropriate specialists?
- Have they created improvements that lasted after their engagement ended?
- Can they train internal staff to maintain the systems they implement?
- Do they document processes in ways the team can actually understand and follow?
- Have they declined scope expansion into areas beyond their core function?
Industry and Business Model Fit
10% weightEvaluates understanding of your specific business model, constraints, and dynamics without over-indexing on direct industry experience.
Sample Questions
- Can they explain key differences between your business model and others they've served?
- Do they understand your cash flow patterns, working capital needs, and seasonal variations?
- Have they worked with project-based, service-oriented, or similar business models?
- Can they adapt their expertise to your specific operational constraints?
- Do they ask insightful questions about your business rather than making assumptions?
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