Helping Small Business Owners
Get Their Life Back!

Fractional Executive Solutions provides the experience and knowledge of a high powered operations professional for a fraction of the cost!

Meet David Baughman

"I help you get your life back"!

That's my pitch to a small business owner. One of the hazards of owning your business is trying to do everything yourself.

There are aspects of working on your business that are fun and exciting such as business development, exploring new markets and products as well and creating strategy. But what is not fun is making things happen to get the product or service “out the door”. The little things that have to be done can be hard. Like Operations management.

What you need is an experienced leader who enjoys doing those things. But you can't afford the cost of that leader. That’s where I can help you “get your life back”!

As a career operations executive who has led multiple operational turnarounds, I have seen so many different examples of chaos and poor performance by operations teams that nothing really stumps me. And usually, it is not the fault of the people or management. More often than not, it is systematic and process issues that holds teams back. I have seen it in many small companies and organizations. What some see as an impossible task, I see as an opportunity to have fun!

As a career operations executive who has led multiple operational turnarounds, I have seen so many different examples of chaos and poor performance by operations teams that nothing really stumps me. And usually, it is not the fault of the people or management. More often than not, it is systematic and process issues that holds teams back. I have seen it in many small companies and organizations. What some see as an impossible task, I see as an opportunity to have fun!

As a Fractional COO or Integrator, I can see what the owner may not. What is perplexing to them is an “ I got a process for that” moment for me. Because I have led organizations in both public and private companies, big and small across so many markets, I usually have a solution to most operational challenges. What I do is collaborate with the team to develop their skills and processes while creating a culture of accountability. By engaging with the owner and each manager weekly , I can get to the heart of the matter and provide immediate experienced leadership. All of this usually in one day per week. Coaching, teaching, mentoring and encouraging with my sleeves rolled up and helping do the work.

What I provide is solid experience: at a "fraction of the cost". So, you, the owner, can go to your child’s ballgame or dance recital.

More About Dave

WHAT I DO

Fractional COO

David is an accomplished Fractional COO who quickly evaluates and establishes an orderly process to ensure your operations run smoothly to allow you to do what you do best: grow your company. David provides leadership and guidance to your team to allow them to understand what it takes to provide “operational excellence” daily. With his extensive experience leading organizations across multiple markets, there are no operational challenges that David cannot help guide you and your team to accomplish your short- and long-term goals while developing and enhancing team health and execution.

Executive Coaching

There are numerous leadership coaches to choose from that work with CEOs and owners. At Fractional Executive Solutions, we offer leadership coaching for your team to ensure smooth delivery of your products or services to your customers as well as enhancing your bottom line. If you are an owner or CEO and you have an incumbent in the role of Manager, Director or even COO, we work with them exclusively to learn how to be a “pro,” while becoming a trusted advisor to you. We provide a structured and documented program that is created with your guidance and input to create goals, and skill sets to improve overall executive and leadership performance. Regular feedback is provided to you so you can see the development of your team as they start to leverage their newfound skills and help your your business thrive.

Emerging Leadership

There are numerous leadership coaches to choose from who work with CEOs and owners. At Fractional Executive Solutions, we offer Emerging Leadership Coaching for those who are about to embark on their first role as a manager or leader. For many, the first leadership role is hard because they must learn to be accountable for the performance of others as well as themselves while learning how to provide direction and guidance to a team. From learning how to manage through time constraints, difficult and often new challenges, or conducting “difficult” conversations, we help them learn the skills required to lead, manage, and hold others accountable. All in a structured process that includes a lesson plan and homework. Your new leader will appreciate the knowledge and the opportunity that they are provided to get a “head start” on their management career.

WHO I REPRESENT

Oil and Gas

Power Generation

Aerospace

Product Services

Distribution

Consumer Goods

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

Andy Vawter, MPS Acoustics

“Working with Dave Baughman from Fractional Executive Solutions has been a tremendous benefit to our organization. He has helped us with process flow, hiring, quality improvement, material procurement, cost reductions, and many other areas. Our business is much healthier and efficient due to the improvements implemented by Fractional Executive Solutions.”

Brody Hulin, Cypress Fabrication

“Our Cypress Team hired David and Fractional Executive Solutions to be our fractional COO as well as a mentor our new Operations Manager. David quickly established a great bond with our leadership team as well as providing a structured presence within our company. David has provided steady counsel for myself and allowed me to spend more time building our business as he quickly took responsibility for our operational performance. David is an extremely knowledgeable operations executive that combined extensive leadership experience along with Lean Manufacturing skills to help us take the next step in operational excellence journey. He also has become part of the Cypress Family!”

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EXPERTISE

Coaching Emerging Leaders and Managers

coaching

October 19, 2024•3 min read

Essential Knowledge for Emerging Leaders

Transitioning into a managerial role can be both exciting and daunting. You may have been a great engineer, accountant or welder, but how prepared are you to lead others? What seems easy from the outside looking in, is actually incredibly difficult the first time you become a manager. Here are some key areas of knowledge that first-time managers should focus on:

1. People Management Skills

Communication: Effective communication is crucial for building relationships, providing clear expectations, and resolving conflicts. By explaining the “What”, “Why”, “How” and the “Who”, you can ensure that what you want them to do will happen.
Delegation: Learn to delegate tasks appropriately so you are not doing all of the work. It is tempting to want to take over if your team does not do it like you did but resist the urge. Empower and encourage them.
Feedback: Provide constructive feedback regularly to help your team grow and develop. Use empathy when communicating so you understand how they will receive the feedback.
Motivation: Understand different motivational factors and tailor your approach to each team member. Not all of your people are the same: you have to create a strategy for each team member.
Conflict resolution: Develop strategies for handling conflicts peacefully and productively. Don’t wait until it is too late.

2. Leadership Skills

Vision: Articulate a clear vision for your team and inspire them to work towards common goals. Again, What, Why, How and Who will help communicate your ideas and needs.
Decision-making: Make informed decisions based on available data and consider the potential consequences. Avoid making a decision on emotions and not facts or data.
Problem-solving: Develop problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively. This may be one the first skills you need to learn.
Time management: Prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently to meet deadlines. You will be watched how you set that example.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Self-awareness: Recognize your own emotions and how they impact your behavior. Work to craft your message based on how you want your team to receive it.
Understand their emotions – You must work to understand your team’s emotions and craft a strategy to help them understand your message to them.
Empathy: Understand the perspectives and emotions of others. Don’t take them for granted.
Self-regulation: Manage your emotions effectively and respond appropriately to situations.

4. Company Culture and Policies

Understand company values: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, vision, and values. Ensure you are a model for them and coaching your team to be the same.
Know the rules: Be aware of company policies, procedures, and regulations.
Build relationships: Network with colleagues and build positive relationships within the organization. This is crucial for new leaders – you must build a bridge to your peers and work with them for the greater good of the company.

By focusing on these areas, Emerging Leaders can develop the skills and knowledge needed to be help move their team forward to the benefit of the company and the members themselves.

Would you like to delve deeper into any of these areas? Contact us at info@fractionalexecutivesolutions.com

David Baughman

David Baughman is the consummate Operating professional, who has brought P&L leadership experience to a broad range of sectors, stages of growth, and business environments. His experience includes aerospace, automotive, industrial, and oil & gas. In every engagement, David has dramatically, and profitably accelerated the company’s growth through his deep grasp of all functions and leverage points. Equity participants see virtually immediate acceleration of the topline, gross margin improvement, and EBITDA margin gains. Those quantifiable measures are his keys to unlocking shareholder value. David is a trained Lean Champion by the Lean Enterprise Institute consulting group and holds credentials for Positive Management Leadership from the Columbia University Emerging Leadership Development program. He resides with his wife in the Fort Worth area, and enjoys reading history, working outdoors, and golf.

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