Decoding the Misunderstood Role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Susan Goebel
- Dec 6, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 15, 2023
Understanding the role of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a complicated endeavor, primarily because there's no one-size-fits-all description.
One company's COO may look dramatically different from another's. So what is the role of a COO, exactly?
The adaptability of this role makes it incredibly intriguing but equally challenging to pinpoint. Its variable nature is why it's difficult to make an apples-to-apples comparison between COOs from different organizations.
The Spectrum of COO Roles
In general, you'll find that COOs fall into one of seven categories:
The Executor
An "Executor" COO is someone responsible for making sure that plans made by higher-ups get carried out effectively. They focus on delivering consistent, quarter-to-quarter results, aligning the company’s operations with its broader goals.
The Change Agent
This COO type is all about driving strategic initiatives. When a company needs to execute a turnaround or is aiming for rapid expansion, the "Change Agent" ensures that everything goes as planned.
The Mentor
Often, younger companies or CEOs might need a bit of experienced guidance. A "Mentor" COO fills this gap, advising on best practices and strategic direction.
The CEO’s Right Hand
In these cases, the COO role is made to complement the CEO's strengths and weaknesses. The COO isn't typically expected to outshine the CEO but is critical in balancing leadership. It can be a gray area when determining the power dynamics between the two.
The Dynamic Duo
Some CEOs prefer a collaborative approach to leadership and work best when they have a close partner. The "Dynamic Duo" model has both the CEO and COO co-leading the company, even sharing an office for maximum effectiveness at times.
The Heir Apparent
When the COO role is a stepping stone for the next CEO, the position is often designed for grooming the "Heir Apparent," teaching them the ropes before they take over the top job.
The MVP (Most Valuable Player)
This COO type usually emerges in situations where there’s an executive whose contributions have been so significant that creating the role becomes necessary to retain them.
Should Your Business Even Have a COO?
Traditionally, the COO role has been a staple in large corporations and Fortune 500 companies. However, for small to medium enterprises (SMEs), the decision to introduce a COO can be daunting. The COO ensures that operations mesh seamlessly with the company board’s mission and the CEO's vision.
The Consultant COO: A Middle-Ground Approach
For small businesses that can’t afford to sustain a full-time COO, fractional COO services can fill the gap efficiently. This consulting model allows companies to allocate a smaller budget for a COO's expertise, providing long-term value without the need for long-term financial commitments like salaries and benefits. These services often come with a flexible fractional COO contract and can cost just several thousand dollars annually, as opposed to the hefty month-to-month salaries of a full-time COO. This can be particularly beneficial for startups seeking fractional executive experience without breaking the bank.
To Hire or Not to Hire
Deciding whether to establish a COO role will largely hinge on your company’s current stage and future growth trajectory. For some small businesses, a Vice President of Operations might suffice instead of a full-fledged COO.
When contemplating this organizational decision, SMEs should consider the workload that will land on the COO's desk. If your business has reached a point where managing day-to-day operations requires a dedicated role, especially if you are eyeing external growth opportunities like going public, then a COO becomes not just beneficial but essential.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, the role of a COO can be as flexible as it is critical. Understanding what a COO can do for your organization—whether you're running a startup or a Fortune 500 company—can be the key to unlocking new levels of success.
It’s essential to assess carefully whether you need one, what type you need, and how much it would cost, whether you opt for a full-time role or go down the fractional COO route.
Given its complex and multi-faceted nature, the COO role continues to be one of the most intriguing and essential components in a company’s leadership structure.
Is your company ready to explore the complexities of having a COO? If you're still unsure or have more questions, click HERE to book a call with me to dive deeper into what a COO could mean for your business's success. Want to read about Famous Second-in-Commands? Facebook
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