Fractional Integrator vs. Fractional COO: Which Do You Need for Your EOS‑Run Business?

If you're running your company on the Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS), you've

probably heard of both Fractional Integrators and Fractional COOs.

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Sometimes these roles are used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Misunderstanding the distinction can lead to poor hiring decisions, stalled progress, and costly misalignment. In this article, we’ll clarify the differences, bust common myths, and help you decide which role your business truly needs to

grow.

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What Is a Fractional Integrator?

A Fractional Integrator is a part-time or contract executive who performs the Integrator role in an EOS-run business. According to EOS, the Integrator is the glue between the Visionary (usually the CEO/founder) and the leadership team.

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This person drives accountability, ensures traction, and translates the Visionary’s big-picture ideas into actionable plans.

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Key responsibilities of an Integrator include:

• Running Level 10® meetings
• Prioritizing and executing Rocks
• Resolving cross-functional issues
• Keeping leadership focused and aligned
• Driving execution of the EOS framework

🛑 Myth Alert: An Integrator is not a glorified project manager. They are strategic leaders who sit at the executive level. Their job isn’t just checking boxes, it’s aligning departments, driving company-wide focus, and translating vision into measurable results.

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What Is a Fractional COO?

A Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) takes on broader operational leadership than a traditional Integrator. While an Integrator operates within the EOS framework , a Fractional COO brings operational strategy, industry experience, and cross-functional leadership that often goes beyond EOS tools.

A Fractional COO will typically:

• Overhaul operations for scalability
• Build and lead operational teams
• Implement performance systems and KPIs
• Optimize processes across departments
• Align financials with operational outcomes
• Guide high-level strategic planning

If your company is scaling fast or facing complexity in logistics, manufacturing, or SaaS delivery, a Fractional COO may be the right fit, especially if your team lacks a seasoned operator.

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Fractional Integrator vs. Fractional COO: Key Differences

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EOS Expertise

Integrator: Deeply embedded in EOS tools and process

COO: May or may not use EOS, broader ops experience

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Strategic Depth

Integrator: Focuses on execution and accountability

COO: Focuses on operations, scalability, and systems

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Team Leadership

Integrator: Manages leadership team using EOS

COO: Builds and leads ops teams across the company

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Vision Translation

Integrator: Turns Visionary ideas into Rocks

COO: Turns strategy into infrastructure

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Industry Experience

Integrator: EOS-centric, generalist

COO: Often industry-specific (SaaS, logistics, etc.)

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Which Do You Need for Your EOS Business?

Here’s how to choose:

• ‍You need a Fractional Integrator if:‍
  
  • You already run on EOS and need better execution
  • You're overwhelmed by managing meetings, Rocks, and Scorecards
  • Your team needs alignment and accountability‍
• You need a Fractional COO if:‍
  
  • You're scaling fast and your ops can’t keep up
  • You need to build systems, hire ops staff, or restructure departments
  • You want strategic ops leadership beyond EOS tools

💡 Pro Tip: Some companies benefit from both: a Fractional COO may help architect the business infrastructure while a Fractional Integrator ensures traction within EOS. At Duke BCG, we help clients find the right combination for their growth stage.

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How Duke BCG Helps You Choose the Right Fit

At Duke BCG, we work with founders and Visionaries with companies between $5M – $50M in revenue. We help you assess whether you need an Integrator, a seasoned COO, or both, and provide expert leadership that’s built to scale with you.

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🚀 Ready to get clarity on your next leadership hire?

Let’s talk. Schedule a strategy call.

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