Interim Management
Some people describe Interim Management as:
“The consultant swoops in, kicks everyone out of the nest, soils the place and moves on.”
A better description is to view Interim Management as the temporary provision of management resources and skills. The need for an Interim Manager is most likely when there is:
- A sudden and/or short-term need
- Need to steer through a transition
- Crisis within an organization
- Change within an organization
- No internal candidate available or suitable
As a rule of thumb, Interim Managers are proven and seasoned executives with managerial skills and experience. Biting Lynx has worked in many business sectors, in several key managerial and operational positions and in various countries/continents for well over 20 years.
Quite often Interim Management can also be a cost-effective measure. There are several factors that make hiring an Interim Manager increasingly economical. The following highlights the “value proposition”:
Return-on-investment
Value can be added by using unique skills and expertise to support the delivery of an outcome. Interim Managers are paid on the understanding of goals and not simply on the basis of attendance.
Speed
The manager is in place within days, as opposed to weeks or months. Being practiced in engaging promptly with the situation, Interim Managers conduct and complete assignments effectively and with due speed.
Expertise
Used to operating at a senior level, they often bring skills and knowledge not otherwise in place, to address a specific skills gap or problem. Experience and expertise enables the manager to be productive and make a noticeable impact from the outset.
Objectivity
Unencumbered by company politics or culture, the Interim Manager can provide a fresh perspective and is able to concentrate on what’s best for the business. Since the manager is independent, he or she is able to contribute honestly and without threat to the incumbent management team.
Accountability
The goal is the management of a business or project individually. This gives clients the peace of mind that the Interim Manager has stewardship of the project at hand.
Effectiveness
Operating at or near board-level, the Interim Managers have the authority and credibility to effect significant change or transition within a company. They actively add value to the client organisation as a result of their expertise and approach.
Commitment
Interim Managers maintain high professional standards. Future work relies quite often upon referrals and a successful track record. The manager therefore has a stake in the success of the assignments that is being undertaken.