Whether you need someone to deliver business transformation, to guide you through a merger or acquisition, or to fill a skills gap on a short-term basis; interim managers bring with them a specific set of skills and experiences to take the lead.
It’s the versatility of interim managers that give them an edge. They fill the gaps in an organisation’s skill set and experience. And on a more practical level, they will be used to dealing with tight deadlines, high-pressure circumstances, and navigating established teams.
Interim managers are well-suited to helping organisations solve a broad range of problems, by offering:
Rapid results
Interim managers are a quick start solution, meaning they are able to make an impact straight away. They are hired for a specific requirement, and this is their focus from day one. And with the clock ticking on their fixed assignment, they are driven to dive right in.
Unlike permanent members of staff, there’s no time lost to a settling in period. Interim managers are well-versed in stakeholder management and relationship building. They are used to adapting to different company cultures, which allows them to easily navigate the organisation and make quick decisions.
A focus on delivery
The point of hiring an interim manager is to ensure your organisation achieves its intended business goal. That goal might be to successfully implement a new system, deliver a major change programme, or ensure a smooth merger or acquisition. Whatever it is, an interim manager will take a laser-focused approach to achieving that goal.
Interims are focused solely on outcomes and results. As they will only be in the business for a finite time, they aren’t distracted by worries over their future in the business. Nor will they concern themselves with internal politics. And this allows the interim to remain impartial, focused squarely on the best interests of your company.
Specific expertise
Interim managers bring with them a specific skill set to meet your business needs, and a strong track record of helping other companies overcome similar challenges to the ones your business is facing.
Interims are often experienced in multiple sectors and disciplines at senior executive level. The quality and extent of their skill set will be more sophisticated than a full-time position would normally demand.
A fresh perspective
Interim managers are excellent strategic thinkers, able to plan and execute the quickest, most effective strategies to achieve results. And as an independent party, they have the added bonus of being able to bring a fresh perspective and an objective view on what is best for your business.
Interims are free from any previous involvement or investment in company processes, staff relationships, or office politics. This means they are often able to identify problems and solutions that may not be visible to those within the organisation. And they aren't afraid to ask questions and challenge thought, even if it means treading on some toes.
A lasting legacy
During their assignment, interim managers will work alongside internal teams and spend time mentoring and coaching them. This will ensure not only a smooth transition when the contract ends, but that they also leave a lasting legacy so the organisation is better equipped to respond to challenges and opportunities in the future.
The need to involve external organisations in business transformation often lies in a lack of internal capacity to deal with change. Change is always going to be on the agenda, and organisations are recognising the need to create more responsive, more flexible, and more adaptive teams. Interim managers can help empower and nurture internal talent to embed a positive legacy of an agile, change-able business.
Interim managers have been used successfully by organisations across all industries and job functions throughout the UK and globally. It’s a rapidly growing industry, with more people choosing interim management as a career choice.
The hands-on approach of interims makes them a valuable resource for organisations wanting to adapt and change. However, success will be reliant on choosing an interim with the right skill set to achieve the business goal and a proven track record that demonstrates the qualities outlined here.
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