What is an interim?
There are many definitions of interim management, though this one from Wikipedia seems to cover it pretty well:
“Interim management is the temporary provision of management resources and skills. Interim management can be seen as the short-term assignment of a proven heavyweight interim executive manager to manage a period of transition, crisis or change within an organization. In this situation, a permanent role may be unnecessary or impossible to find on short notice. Additionally, there may be nobody internally who is suitable for, or available to take up, the position in question.”
How do interim managers differ from management consultants?
"In addressing any major issue or opportunity, there are four key stages" says Simon Berry of Interim Assignment:
- Analysis – identifying the real challenge you are aiming to fix and its root causes
- Design – putting together a solution that will address the challenge
- Implementation – implementing the solution to deliver results
- Maintenance – ensuring the solution is embedded and continuously improved
Traditionally, consultants have operated in the first two areas – analysis and design - and if they have been involved in implementation it has proven expensive. Interim managers on the other hand focus more on delivering business results and so, whilst they may be involved in analysis and design, their real focus is on implementation and embedding the legacy.
Management consultancies often have their own way of doing things, clear processes they follow. Whilst not necessarily a bad thing, interim managers are often more flexible and do what is needed rather than follow a strict process.
Many executives who initially look for a management consultant end up selecting an interim manager. A recent survey of senior directors in UK companies showed that 78% felt that interim managers offered clear advantages over management consultants. Quite clearly they were looking for implementers.
Certainly when looking for temporary senior management experience it is well worth investigating the use of an interim manager. You will find guidance on how to do this in the How to hire an interim manager section.