ASSOCIATE
ARTICLE - David Duncan
Interim
Management and Leadership
Making
the Best of a Difficult Time
Interim management is still a relatively
new concept particularly in Canada. However, the
world is changing rapidly through globalization, with
organizations and organization leaders being acutely
aware of costs and the need for them to be constantly
pursuing available, effective, cost containment
alternatives. Indeed, Boards are finding that they
are under closer scrutiny then ever before, either by
shareholders or, in the case of non- profits, funding
bodies and membership.
When we look at this subject from a
global perspective it is interesting to know, that in
the United Kingdom and Europe, interim management is not
only a well recognized way of doing business but, as
well, is now institutionalized. In fact, an
interim management institute now exists to certify
interim management professionals.
Of particular interest is the focus that
is now being put on the public and non-profit sector,
which they regard as providing one of the most
interesting challenges in terms of future growth and
development. Seemingly, there are increasingly
more requirements for technically skilled contractors
with a “can do” attitude and the right mix of
technical skills. Although the sophistication of
this industry in United Kingdom and Europe is seeing the
emergence of “technical executives”, nevertheless,
there remains unsatisfied requirements for highly
skilled managers that can grasp the big picture and
ensure programmes of change can be implemented to the
required standards.
The purpose of this article is to enable
you to look at doing business differently in cost
effective ways while at the same time maintaining the
integrity of the organization’s business.
What is Interim Management?
Interim Management is the leasing of a
manager for a defined period, enabling you to implement
change, to fill unexpected gaps in a company,
organization or project. The human resource(s)
needed to solve your short-term problems.
Interim Management may as well be
described as “the rapid hands-on resolution of
business problems by highly experienced senior
executives hired on a short-term basis, typically three
to nine months.
On the other hand, interim management
may simply be described as an “all-in one project
manager, consultant and senior executive working at or
near board level”.
Who are Interim Managers/Directors?
Interim Managers are experienced
managers/directors or senior executives with a proven
track record of success. They are recruited to
manage a variety of organizational and business change
situations, contributing project management, leadership
and technical or functional skills. Interim
Managers come from a wide range of business sectors.
Many have a business degree in addition to their
technical qualifications and typically have held senior
management positions, not uncommonly at the Board or
head of function level.
They are used to working on a project
basis; interim professionals understand how to manage an
assignment within time frames and budgets.
Results-driven, an interim manager is as motivated to
achieve your objective as you are. Interim
professionals are accountable to the client.
All are driven to achieve successful
results quickly and are skilled at making an immediate
impact.
How can Interim Managers/Directors
help you?
Interim Managers can assist you by
providing;
-
Smooth transitional management when
a key member exits
-
Rebuilding your department
-
Assistance with new service lines
and special projects
-
Financial management and mentoring
-
Recruiting and retaining new staff
and professionals
-
Training and developing of staff
-
Supply chain, inventory and
standardization of products
When am I Likely to need an Interim
Manager/Director?
Services of an Interim Manager/Director
are ideal when you need management expertise when
searching for a candidate on a special project, or to
help you through a time of transition. As well they will
bring ability, experience, and a fresh perspective to
your organization.
When a consultant is not the appropriate
vehicle for implementation or an employee has a learning
curve to overcome, you need a resource working for you
to implement and make rapid change.
A powerful, cost-effective heavyweight,
typically with Board-level experience, in a particular
business sector; someone committed solely to Interim
Management who might for example focus on:
-
Operational performance
-
New product or service launch
-
Business process re-engineering
-
Managing growth or change
-
Complex projects
Benefits of using Interim Management!
One of the major benefits of utilizing
interim management is to fill management vacancies
within days thus allowing the business to move forward.
In particular:
These individuals are Interim Management
professionals who will be able to:
-
Hit the ground running
-
Be readily available
-
Be paid a daily rate
-
They can be introduced quickly
-
Because of their level of experience
and skill, Interim Managers can be productive
immediately and are exclusively committed to you.
A business or organization, can during
the assignment of a Interim Manager/Director, benefit
when they are staffing a vacant position or identifying
a new position(s), by drawing on the experience that the
Interim Manager/Director brings to;
-
Assist in the recruitment of the
full time replacement or newly created position
-
Smooth the transition period of the
new incumbent
-
Provide support for management
-
Maintain and enhance the management
information systems
The cost of employing an Interim
Manager/Director can be easily ascertained as there are:
Contracts are usually for an initial
period, subject to satisfactory performance, and
thereafter terminable by a defined notice period at the
option of the client.
Some frequently asked Questions!
Interim Management has developed rapidly
over the last few years; consequently many people are
coming across the service for the first time. This
invariably invites questions, here are some of the most
frequently asked.
1. What is Interim Management?
Interim Management is the temporary
provision of additional senior management resources
where and when they are needed.
2. Who are Interim
Managers/Directors?
They are experienced, hands on
executives, managers and consultants with proven track
records. They are not “has beens”, nor are
they between jobs. They are dedicated Interim
Managers and deliver results for the client because
their track record is enviable.
3. When am I likely to need an
Interim Manager/Director?
The need to use an Interim Manager can
occur at any time and can be for numerous reasons, e.g.
-
Managing a project
-
Managing change
-
Additional support to implement a
business opportunity
-
Support when existing management are
absent or fully stretched
-
To improve business performance
4. At what level do Interim
Managers/Directors operate?
All executive and management levels and
senior line management, as well specialising in project
management positions
5. Won’t the Interim
Manager/Director need weeks to get to know our
organization and the work we do?
An Interim Manager should be selected
for the assignment because they have worked in your
industry or a comparable one. Also, because they
have previously managed the tasks required of them
successfully.
6. Is an Interim Manager/Director
more expensive then a permanent manager?
You pay an inclusive fee for an Interim
Manager and other than daily and accommodation expenses
where appropriate, there are no other expenses.
This compares favourably on a day to day basis with the
cost of a personally employed manager when you take into
account the cost of Employment Insurance, pension,
and medical benefits, vacations, sickness, contractual
costs and recruitment costs with an agency.
7. How much does an Interim
Manager/Director cost?
Firms providing interim management
typically charge a daily rate negotiated at the outset
of the assignment. The rate would depend in part on the
level of the position the Interim Manager is filling.
The client only pays for the days worked.
8. How will using an Interim
Manager/Director affect my permanent staff?
Experience has shown that Interim
Managers are made welcome because they bring skills and
experience, and because they are only temporary, they
are not seen as a threat.
9. If Interim Managers/Directors are
so good, why are they not snapped up for permanent
positions?
Interim Managers have chosen Interim
Management for the challenge, variety and flexibility it
offers; they find it rewarding.
10. What if I want to give the
Interim Manager/Director a permanent position?
Occasionally, Interim Managers join
their client’s employ. This would, of course, be
the subject of negotiations between the client and the
Interim Manager. Should a firm be involved, there
could possibly be costs associated with this if a
contract was in place with the Interim Manager and the
firm, the firm and the client, or both.
11. What happens when the job is
completed?
The contract comes to an end, there are
no termination costs. It could be that you need help in
the future or need a monitoring service. The
Interim Manager is always available (subject to
scheduling and availability at a given time), to provide
this type of service on an “as and when” required
basis.
Why is Interim Management ideal for
your business?
Interim Management provides business
with a new way of thinking!
Many CEO’s and Senior Management are
not aware of the power of Interim Management.
-
Interim Managers operate at a
middle-management tier, holding more tactical than
strategic responsibilities. Here you would
find senior project managers, program directors and
similar roles.
-
Interim Directors are usually
board-level operating at a level or two below which
they last operated in a “permanent” capacity.
Most Interim Managers and Directors have
seen enormous corporate success and only want to inject
their capability on short-term projects, having chosen
to lead portfolio careers and not be embroiled in
corporate life. Typically, they are highly
experienced individuals who enjoy project related work,
for short periods of time, not infrequently away from
home, and with an outcome that has enormous benefit to
the client.
 David Duncan
has extensive experience
in public and non-profit organizations in senior
management and CEO roles, and in government as Associate
Deputy Minister. David is based in Vancouver .
|
