Advices to interim managers
Interim Managers are skilled and experienced managers who are able to step into senior manager / director / expert roles in companies and add value very quickly.
They need to be self-assured individuals, who combine considerable ability to bring fresh ideas and ways of doing things with the ability to listen, build consensus and lead. They will exercise management responsibility (including, for instance, managing staff) and take executive decisions to the extent of their delegated authority. They offer advice, decisions and results.
Interim Managers normally work for a client for between 3 and 6 months while another arrangement is put in place.
Advices to Interim Managers
Prepare for an accelerated learning curve; don’t rely solely on the boss for information and credibility – crucial admin execs often hold key organizational knowledge. Acknowledge that significant strategic change takes time and effort, not just months but years.
Ask pertinent questions, demonstrating objectivity and a focus on genuine value creation rather than self-interest. Be straightforward and honest; breakthrough thinking in a short timeframe is unlikely. Present new approaches with humility; major innovations require substantial budgets and time.
Maintain a long-term perspective; even if you’re leaving soon, nurturing relationships and staying connected can lead to future opportunities. Respect the organization’s history but don’t shy away from proposing new solutions.
Leverage existing relationships, as those who know your work can speak warmly about you. Remember, your reputation is paramount. Demonstrate your commitment to the sector by staying active, involved, and helping others, contributing rather than just extracting value.
