40-Point Fractional Executive Evaluation Checklist
Score candidates on crisis response, resource constraints, team integration, and measurable commitments. Separate problem-solvers from consultants.
Scoring Framework
Score each criterion 1-5 (1=major concern, 5=exceptional). Focus on concrete examples over theoretical knowledge. Any candidate scoring below 3.5 overall rarely succeeds.
Evaluation Criteria
Crisis Response & Speed
25% weightEvaluate their 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 within 48-72 hours using existing systems?
- Do they commit to specific deliverables within 30 days rather than assessment phases?
- Have they solved 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?
Resource Constraint Understanding
20% weightTest whether they can deliver results within small business constraints rather than recommending Fortune 500 solutions requiring significant capital investment
Sample Questions
- Have they improved operations for companies with 20-50 employees and similar revenue levels?
- Can they achieve results without purchasing new software or hiring additional staff?
- Do they understand working capital constraints and cash flow sensitivity?
- Have they created solutions using Excel, QuickBooks, and standard business tools?
- Can they explain why Fortune 500 approaches don't work for smaller businesses?
Measurable Outcome Commitment
20% weightAssess their willingness to stake their reputation on specific, measurable improvements within defined timeframes rather than hiding behind strategic consulting value
Sample Questions
- Will they guarantee specific metric improvements within 90 days?
- Can they explain exactly how they'll measure and report their impact?
- Do they tie their 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% weightEvaluate their ability to work effectively with existing staff without creating political conflicts or requiring excessive management attention
Sample Questions
- Can they provide references describing successful collaboration with internal teams?
- Have they resolved conflicts between their recommendations and staff preferences?
- 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?
Scope Discipline & Sustainability
10% weightAssess 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 your team can understand and follow?
- Have they resisted scope creep into areas beyond their core function?
Industry & Business Model Fit
10% weightEvaluate their understanding of your specific business model, constraints, and industry 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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