Matthew Curtis
"Don't answer a question with a question!" were you ever told as a child it's rude?
Maybe it's not so common these days, but there was a time when it just wouldn't have been considered polite (especially for a child) to answer a question with another question.
Anyone that has been through the trials and tribulations of raising or working with young children will recognise the "why" phase which peaks at around 4 years old, seemingly every answer you give sparks the response "why" bear in mind at this age Children are asking 70-100 questions a day of their parents.
Why is often a great start to a question in a range of situations, "5 why's" is a well proven methodology for getting to root cause in problem solving - Don't be afraid of using Why to good effect.
Is it rude to answer a question with a question?
Actually it could be argued it's rude not to answer with another question, there are several levels of listening that we can deploy, from not listening at all (ignoring), pretending to listen, selective listening, listening to respond (to demonstrate our own knowledge or to drive our own agenda) through to active empathetic listening where we listen to really understand.
If you are listening to a question what is your objective as a responder and what is the goal of the question poser? perhaps it would only be polite to ask a simple why about how the question came about before diving headlong into an answer.
Great questioning and listening skills are the cornerstones of building high trust coaching and development conversations, driving up employee engagement and performance.
Understanding your own preferences around communication and being able to flex your style to suit different situations and audiences are key too.
DISC is a great assessment tool for helping you understand, your own preferences and how to spot the preferences of others and it's a tool we offer to clients that join us on coaching and leadership development programmes, during which we also work extensively on the key rapport building skills of effective listening and questioning.
In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, agility and expertise are more critical than ever. For UK businesses—especially SMEs and startups—accessing top-tier leadership without the financial burden of full-time executive hires is no longer a pipe dream. Enter the fractional director : a flexible, cost-effective solution that’s reshaping how companies scale, strategise, and succeed. What Is a Fractional Director? A fractional director is a seasoned executive—such as a CFO, CMO, or Commercial Director—who works with a business on a part-time, interim, or project basis. Unlike traditional full-time hires, fractional directors bring high-level strategic insight and leadership while offering the flexibility to engage only when needed. The Business Case for Fractional Leadership UK companies are increasingly embracing fractional leadership, and the reasons are compelling: Access to Elite Talent : Fractional directors often come with decades of experience across industries. For smaller firms that may struggle to attract full-time C-suite talent, fractional roles open the door to expertise that would otherwise be out of reach. Cost Efficiency : Businesses report savings of 40–60% in labour costs by hiring fractional executives compared to full-time counterparts This model allows companies to pay only for the time and expertise they need—no overheads, no long-term commitments. Strategic Agility : Fractional directors are adept at hitting the ground running. Whether it’s navigating a growth phase, entering new markets, or managing change, they deliver rapid impact with minimal disruption. Scalability and Flexibility : Companies can scale leadership resources up or down based on evolving needs. This is especially valuable in uncertain economic climates, where adaptability is key. Objective Decision-Making : Operating outside internal politics, fractional directors offer unbiased perspectives and challenge the status quo—often leading to innovative solutions and improved performance . A Growing Trend in the UK The rise of fractional working in the UK is more than a passing trend—it’s a strategic shift. In early 2025, around 5% of UK employees were in interim roles, with many more operating as independent contractors. Why Now? Post-pandemic shifts, economic uncertainty, and the rise of AI-driven automation have all contributed to a rethinking of traditional employment models. Businesses are under pressure to stay lean while still accessing the strategic leadership needed to thrive. Fractional directors offer a way to do just that. As Roei Samuel, CEO of Connectd, puts it: “Fractional leadership isn’t a stopgap. It’s a scalable, sustainable model for the future of work that enables smaller companies to grow smarter.” Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Scale For UK businesses looking to stay competitive, fractional directors offer a powerful blend of expertise, flexibility, and financial efficiency. Whether you're a startup navigating early growth or an established firm seeking fresh strategic insight, fractional leadership could be the key to unlocking your next phase of success. At M4C Ltd , we help businesses connect with the right fractional talent to drive transformation and growth. Get in touch to explore how a fractional director could elevate your business.
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In today’s dynamic business landscape, the need for flexible, expert leadership is more critical than ever. Enter the fractional director—a seasoned executive who brings not just valuable skills, deep industry experience, and strategic insight, but also the much-needed capacity to get things done. At M4C Ltd, we believe that fractional directors are the secret weapon for businesses ready to accelerate growth and drive meaningful change. The Dual Value Proposition of Fractional Directors Expertise That Transforms Strategy Fractional directors come equipped with years of experience from diverse sectors. Their wealth of knowledge helps businesses to.. Develop Clear Strategies: They offer an external perspective that cuts through internal noise, crafting clear, actionable strategies. Identify Growth Opportunities: With a keen eye for emerging trends, they can pinpoint opportunities that might otherwise be overlooked. Guide Critical Decision-Making: Their informed advice ensures that every strategic move is backed by data and real-world insights. Hands-On Execution: Bringing Capacity to Your Team While many leaders provide excellent advice, fractional directors are unique in their commitment to execution. They don’t just set the direction—they work as part of your team to make progress happen.. Bridging the Gap: They act as a critical link between high-level strategy and day-to-day operations, ensuring that plans are not just designed but effectively implemented. Immediate Impact: With the ability to hit the ground running, fractional directors offer an immediate boost in capacity, helping your business to overcome operational bottlenecks and speed up project timelines. Cost-Effective Leadership: By engaging fractional directors, companies gain access to top-tier expertise without the overhead of a full-time executive salary. This model is particularly beneficial for SMEs and growing businesses that need robust leadership without breaking the bank. Real-World Success: Making Strategy Work Consider the case of businesses that have partnered with fractional directors during times of transition or rapid growth. These leaders have been instrumental in.. Streamlining Operations: By re-engineering processes, they enable teams to work more efficiently. Driving Revenue Growth: Their strategic interventions have often resulted in measurable improvements in sales and market penetration. Enhancing Team Morale: By providing clear direction and hands-on support, they empower teams to tackle challenges confidently and collaboratively. Why does M4C Champion the Fractional Director Model? Our commitment is to help businesses not just dream big but also achieve their ambitions. We recognize that the modern business environment demands agile, responsive leadership that can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operational needs. Our fractional directors are dedicated to.. Partnering: We integrate seamlessly with your existing processes to ensure that every strategy is actionable. Focusing on Measurable Outcomes: From boosting efficiency to driving revenue, our focus is on delivering results that matter. Empowering Your Business: By augmenting your leadership capacity, we ensure that you’re never alone in navigating complex challenges. The Bottom Line: Ready, Set, Execute! If your business is ready to unlock new levels of growth and efficiency, it’s time to consider the power of fractional directors. They don’t just offer advice—they roll up their sleeves and work with you to get things done. Let’s turn strategic plans into tangible results together.