Is Interim Management for You?

Interim management is a specialized field where experienced professionals are brought in to lead a company through a transition, crisis, or change period. It is a demanding job that requires a unique set of skills and attributes. A perfect interim manager is someone who can take on mission - impossible tasks, determine areas for improvement, and execute plans into operational actions.

Many clients with whom I have worked decided to enter the route of interim management because they were bored by the routine of their projects. Others?felt that their industry expertise and corporate background are great assets for companies needing restructuring, or requiring a particular skill set to fill the gap.

Permanent versus Interim Manager

A key distinction between a permanent manager and an interim manager lies in their roles and objectives. Permanent managers are typically hired for the long term and are responsible for the ongoing management and growth of a company. On the other hand, interim managers are brought in for a specific project or period to address a particular challenge or transition. While permanent managers focus on day-to-day operations, interim managers specialize in tackling urgent issues, implementing changes, and achieving short-term objectives. This differentiation requires interim managers to possess a dynamic skill set that revolves around rapid problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic execution.

However, not every senior executive makes a great interim manager material. Let use dive in to find out why.

Interim Manager as a Fixer

Firstly, a perfect interim manager should be able to take on impossible tasks. Interim managers are typically brought in when a company is in a state of crisis or transition. These situations often involve complex issues that require significant expertise to solve. A perfect interim manager is someone who has the experience, skills, and knowledge to take on these challenges head-on. They should be able to work under pressure, remain calm in the face of adversity and be able to deliver results within a tight timeframe.

Easy to Fit Into a New Culture

Secondly, an essential factor for the success of an interim manager is their ability to fit into a new company culture seamlessly. Company culture plays a pivotal role in how employees work together, make decisions, and interact with one another. When an interim manager joins a new organization, they must quickly understand and adapt to the existing cultural norms and values. This adaptability is crucial for building trust and rapport with the team, gaining their support, and effectively driving change. An interim manager who can navigate and align with the company's culture will be better positioned to communicate their objectives, implement changes more smoothly, and create a positive impact during their short tenure.

Determining Areas for Improvement

In addition to these skills, a perfect interim manager should have the ability to determine areas for improvement. The primary objective of an interim manager is to identify the areas that need improvement and create a plan to address them. This requires a profound understanding of the company's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the ability to identify the root cause of problems. A perfect interim manager should be able to conduct a thorough analysis of the company's operations, identify areas for improvement, and develop a plan to implement changes that will deliver measurable results.

Leadership and Execution

Finally, a perfect interim manager should have flexibility and the ability to execute plans into operational actions. Interim managers are often brought in to lead significant change initiatives, which require strong leadership skills and the ability to execute a plan successfully. A perfect interim manager should be able to work with stakeholders across the company, create buy-in for their plan and be able to execute it within a tight timeframe. They should be able to work collaboratively with the company's employees, provide guidance and direction, and ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals.

Transitioning into interim management

#Careertransitions at an executive level are complex projects. Experienced executives looking to transition into #interimmanagement roles should determine their transferable skills to demonstrate their suitability for the role. Their #CVs should be tailored to interim roles, and they should highlight instances where they have successfully managed complex projects, driven transformative change, or navigated companies through challenging periods. Additionally, showcasing skills such as crisis management, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and quick decision-making will underline their capacity to excel as interim managers. Furthermore, including specific examples of past interim roles, even if they were not officially titled as such, can illustrate their hands-on experience in high-pressure scenarios.

Ready to make a move?

Are you considering transitioning into interim management? Let us have a chat over coffee. ?I offer fully personalised career management coaching to senior executive career changers. Book your consultation here: https://bit.ly/44aZKmL and let's have a chat over coffee!

Bye for now!

Beata Maria Staszkow, MBA/MA, is a Global Career Management Consultant and Certified Extended DISC? Consultant. She has extensive experience as a coach and mentor in various sectors, including professional services, higher education, consulting, and membership organizations. Her expertise in leadership development, partnership building, executive development programs, performance monitoring, and change management has helped clients worldwide in honing their skills and finding fulfilling careers. As a culturally sensitive and social media-savvy professional, Beata is committed to helping clients worldwide achieve their career and leadership goals.