The right leader paves the road to success for his or her organization. They take the mission of their company and empower employees to execute through structure and motivation. Most companies have great plans, but the existing team needs a competent manager or leader with the necessary vision to execute at the board’s expected level. But what happens if that leader leaves? In this article, we’ll discuss interim management; the strategy companies use to keep their ship smooth sailing until they can fill a given vacant position of leadership.
Understanding an Interim Manager
An interim manager is a temporary position or role as a team or company leader. Interim managers take on the position when organizations are in transition. For instance, a new project needs special expertise, or the current manager or director leaves the company. Most organizations utilize interim management services when circumstances like this occur. Such hires have successful track records of delivering strategic leadership and desired results and will often come with a support team. This ensures all responsibilities are covered and the ship can continue smooth sailing in the interim.
Tenure of Leadership or Role
Every situation is unique in companies. There is no specific timeframe for the tenure of interim managers or directors. In a few cases, an interim manager executes responsibilities and roles for six months. Further, the interim management services might extend till 18 months, and sometimes beyond. The length varies based on the needs and future goals of the organization.
When an interim manager or director is on board for a particular project, like a product/service launch, they depart after the project concludes. Their role is to ensure a smooth leadership transition within the organization. Further, during unexpected departures of managers or directors, interim managers are brought on board to lead from the forefront. In such an interim use case, the tenure depends on the time to find a permanent and suitable replacement to lead the organization. Sometimes, exceptional interim managers or directors are given permanent, full-time positions.
Who is a Good Interim Manager?
Some skills make an interim manager exceptional and better than others.
Emotional Intelligence
Having emotional intelligence is critical in becoming an exceptional interim manager. The ability to handle emotions in themselves and other team members influences business strategic decisions. Further, they can confidently and effectively communicate and bring out the best in themselves and others.
Strategic Thinking
Interim managers or directors are experts at working with organizations during critical and intense periods. Using an external perspective coupled with years of experience helps them incorporate interim management services. Interim managers find new paths and solutions when others encounter day-to-day struggles because of their strategic thinking skills.
Concise Communication
Interim managers or directors take on the role during transition periods. Their potential to exhibit the company’s visions, values, and messages with confidence and clear communication is paramount. Effective communication keeps the departments/teams aligned and focused. Further, they practice two-way communication, where exceptional interim managers actively listen and encourage feedback from others.
Bring Out the Best in Others
Good interim managers or directors don’t dictate or behave rudely. They are skilled experts and believe in empowering employees to excel and strive for excellence. Such an approach enhances the team’s performance. By helping everyone on the team, the department becomes better. It guides or assists the company in becoming strong and competent after the completion of the tenure.
Positive Decision-Making
Any manager or director can share ideas and opinions. Making decisions that lead to positive outcomes takes confidence, special skills, and expertise. An exceptional interim manager or director makes tough decisions and choices while ensuring every employee understands and supports the decisions.
An exceptional interim manager is passionate and has the vision to take organizations to new heights during crises or intense periods. They set new strategic directions, uniting employees and executing plans to attain business goals. It is their skills that make them unique.
Conclusion
When organizations need to fill management leader roles immediately, they appoint interim managers or directors. Investing in interim management services gives companies access to valuable experience and skills with flexibility and agility pivotal for attaining goals. The modern dynamic business landscape is ever-changing. An interim manager or director is the last respite to save a company from crises and intense periods. Though their roles or positions are temporary, they have the potential to perform effectively.