Process Excellence Through Fractional Sourcing
State and local governments are under constant pressure to deliver better services, often with limited budgets and increasing expectations from the public. One of the most effective ways to meet these challenges is by simply improving an organization’s internal processes. As with most things in government, that sounds easier than it is. Even when process reviews are prioritized, agencies still struggle to find the right expertise or resources to lead these improvements, especially when hiring full-time executives is not feasible. This is where the concept of a fractional source becomes a game-changer.
In fact, by leveraging a fractional model, agencies can tap into a caliber of expertise that might otherwise be beyond their reach if they were limited to traditional full-time hiring. This approach opens the door to highly qualified professionals-often with experience from leading organizations-who can deliver exceptional value and fresh perspectives, all within a budget that works for the public sector.
When a fractional executive steps in, they often begin by immersing themselves in the agency’s current processes. They observe how things are done, identify pain points, and engage with staff to understand the unique challenges faced by the organization. Think of your own job and how many of the processes or actions you undertake, which are likely due to a policy or standard operating procedure documented somewhere. You probably execute these processes daily without question. At some point, you may be asked why you do something a certain way, and you will invariably answer, “Because that’s how we do it.” Fractional professionals operate independently from the day-to-day internal processes, so they can devote their energy and expertise directly to the agency’s most pressing needs. This streamlined engagement allows them to remain agile, objective, and results-focused-often accelerating progress without the distractions of routine administrative requirement.
With their broad experience, fractional sources can quickly spot inefficiencies that may go unnoticed internally. For example, in procurement, they might notice that approvals are handled sequentially, creating unnecessary delays. By introducing parallel approvals or digital workflows, they can help agencies dramatically reduce cycle times and free up staff to focus on more strategic work. They may recommend new software to get you out of the email workflow, providing guidance on best-in-class solutions to ensure not just greater efficiency, but better data, so you can measure your workflows objectively to ensure efficiency is sustained throughout the organization.
In finance, a fractional CFO can help agencies align their budgets with their strategic goals, ensuring that every dollar spent supports the mission. They can also introduce performance tracking and reporting mechanisms, making it easier for agencies to demonstrate accountability and transparency to stakeholders. Because these professionals are not tied to a single department, they often foster collaboration across teams, breaking down silos and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. In fact, one of the first best practices they may employ for process excellence is establishment of a cross-functional team to ensure the enterprise benefits, not just any one stove pipe.
One of the greatest advantages of using a fractional source is flexibility. Agencies can scale the level of expertise up or down as their needs evolve, whether it’s for a specific project, during a leadership transition, or to pilot a new initiative. This adaptability is especially valuable in the public sector, where priorities can shift rapidly due to new regulations, funding cycles, or community needs.
Real-world examples show that even small process improvements-such as streamlining approvals or digitizing paperwork-can have a significant impact. States that have embraced fractional leadership and modern process improvement strategies have seen faster procurement times, better compliance, and more efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
The fractional model offers state and local governments a powerful way to drive process improvement. By providing expert leadership on a flexible basis, they help agencies overcome bureaucratic hurdles, optimize resources, and deliver better outcomes for their communities. This approach not only saves money but also empowers public servants to focus on what matters most: serving the public effectively and efficiently.