Why become an interim manager?

Working as an interim manager is a challenging but hugely rewarding experience.

Interim management is not for everyone. If you thrive on putting roots down in an organisation, rising through the managerial ranks for example, then you might find working as an interim executive uncomfortable.

Interim managers simply do not have the warmth of the ‘corporate blanket’ to rely on. Instead, they constantly move from one organisation to another, taking responsibility for some of the most difficult issues those organisations face. They may be expected to lead a turnaround in performance, fend off a hostile takeover, manage downsizing, or take charge of delivering a vital project. And they have to do so without the luxury of a settling-in period.

Instead, they must adapt to the new role at astonishing speed, winning the trust and respect of their colleagues and teams and taking major decisions on behalf of the business. Unlike consultants, they then remain within the business over a fixed period to deliver agreed objectives – demanding a determination to deliver and a focus on outcomes.

Short-term contract, long-term impact

Whether their assignment has been 3 months or as much as a year, at the end of their tenure they leave in a straightforward way. There is no severance pay and no share options.

Yet even in this short period, they leave behind a valuable legacy: not only the results of their work on the organisation’s performance, structure or culture, but also embedded capability and engagement of the people and teams they have worked with.

Above all, for interim managers themselves, there are the rewards that come with achieving results and being delivery-focused, testing their skills in the toughest of business situations.

Interim management is not for everyone. But for those who thrive on new challenges, are undaunted by the prospect of adapting to different environments and readily assume responsibility for their work, it is an exciting and dynamic career choice.

IMA Workshop

If you are considering a career as an interim manager, the Interim Management Association hosts a practical workshop designed for executives and senior managers. For more information, please visit www.results-in-business.com/imw/.

Your questions answered:

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