Signs to Consider a Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Erica Kesse


Running a successful business is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning, efficient operations, and effective leadership. As your company grows, the demands on your time and energy also increase. One crucial decision many entrepreneurs face is when to bring in a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help manage the day-to-day operations. But how do you know when it's the right time to consider hiring a COO? In this blog post, we'll discuss some signs that might indicate it's time to bring in a COO to your organization.


Feeling Irritable

If you find yourself becoming increasingly irritable or short-tempered at work, it may be a sign that you're stretched too thin. As a business owner, it's common to feel passionate about your company's success, but when the weight of daily operations becomes too burdensome, it can take a toll on your emotional well-being.


Unable to Get a Good Night's Sleep

A lack of quality sleep can be a telltale sign that your workload is overwhelming. Constantly worrying about various aspects of your business can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity.


Easily Overwhelmed

Running a business often involves juggling numerous tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed and unable to focus on high-level strategic thinking, it might be time to delegate some of these responsibilities to a COO.


Procrastinating A Lot

Procrastination can be a manifestation of feeling overwhelmed. When you have too much on your plate, it's easy to put off important tasks. A COO can help you stay on track by handling operational details, allowing you to concentrate on more critical aspects of your business.


Frequent Headaches

Stress and tension often manifest physically, and frequent headaches can be a symptom of this. The constant pressure of managing all aspects of your business can lead to chronic stress, which can affect your overall health.


Feeling Drained or Tired All the Time

If you're consistently feeling drained or tired, it could be a sign of excessive workload and stress. Running a business can be demanding, but it shouldn't leave you perpetually exhausted. A COO can help alleviate some of this burden.


Loss of Motivation

If you've noticed a significant decline in your motivation and enthusiasm for your business, it might be because you're stuck in the minutiae of daily operations. A COO can help reinvigorate your passion by taking over the routine tasks and allowing you to focus on your vision and goals.


Struggle with Self-Doubt

As a business owner, self-doubt can creep in when you're spread too thin and questioning your ability to effectively manage all aspects of your company. A COO can provide the expertise and support needed to boost your confidence and help you make informed decisions.


Recognizing these signs is the first step in determining whether it's time to hire a Chief Operating Officer for your business. A COO can be a valuable addition to your team, allowing you to regain your focus, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being. By delegating operational responsibilities to a capable professional, you can free up your time to concentrate on strategic growth and innovation, ultimately leading your business to new heights of success. If you identify with any of these signs, it may be time to consider the benefits a COO can bring to your organization.


Book some time with us to Try on COO. We will be happy to let you get a taste of how we can bring you relief plus check out our Service: Comprehensive Virtual Services.


By Erica Kesse May 4, 2026
In the high-stakes world of startups, "doing" is the ultimate currency. We reward the CEO who has the fastest answer, the most aggressive pivot, and the 80-hour work week. But there is a silent, often overlooked skill that separates the leaders who scale from those who burn out: the ability to hold space. The Fixer Trap Most startup CEOs are natural-born fixers. When a VP comes to you with a mental health struggle or a product flaw, your instinct is to jump in with a solution. You want to "add value." But when you rush to fix, you unintentionally shut down the room. You signal that discomfort is a problem to be eradicated rather than a data point to be explored. Holding space isn't passive—it’s an active leadership discipline. It is the process of providing a "container" where your team feels safe enough to be stuck, wrong, or overwhelmed without being judged or immediately corrected. The ROI of Silence Research suggests that leaders who can stay present without rushing to closure build deeper trust and higher emotional intelligence within their teams Henley Leadership . This isn't just "soft" stuff; it's about staying in your prefrontal cortex—the seat of strategic thought—rather than reacting from your amygdala. Actionable Framework: The O.P.E.N. Method Observe: Notice the energy in the room. Is it "crunchy" or tense? Don't ignore it. Pause: Count to five before responding. Give the other person the "gift of the gap." Embody: Ground yourself. Uncross your arms, maintain eye contact, and drop your shoulders. Your calm is contagious. No-Fixing: Ask, "Do you need me to listen, or do you need me to lead right now?" Startups fail because of people, not just products. If you can’t hold space for the human complexity of your team, you won’t be able to hold the weight of a billion-dollar company.  If you’re ready to master the mental game of leadership, book a consultation to see how executive coaching can sharpen your presence.
COO holding space for a CEO
By Erica Kesse April 27, 2026
Learn how the Therapeutic COO model protects CEO mental health and aligns business operations. Discover the framework for vertical integration in leadership.
CEO s  meeting
By Erica Kesse April 13, 2026
Discover why leadership judgment fails long before the P&L does. Learn the science of decision fatigue and how a CEO can protect their mental health and ROI.
More Posts