What is an Interim Manager and How to Succeed in the Role?

What is an Interim Manager?

When a permanent manager of an organization leaves their position, it can be a challenging time for the company as they look to find a suitable replacement. To ensure that operations continue to run smoothly during this transition period, many companies turn to interim managers. These professionals are hired on a temporary basis to fill the gap between the departure of the permanent manager and the hiring of a new one. In this way, the company can maintain continuity and stability, while still taking the necessary time to find the right candidate for the job.

They are also referred to as temporary managers, but with their specialized skill set and expertise, they have the potential to be offered a permanent managerial position.

An interim manager is typically brought on board to address a specific problem during a time of crisis within an organization. It is crucial that they possess the necessary expertise in the relevant field to effectively troubleshoot the issue at hand. A skilled interim manager can offer quick solutions to immediate problems, provide guidance for the long-term success of the organization, and oversee recruitment and organizational changes in accordance with company policies.

Hiring an interim manager can be a cost-effective solution for organizations as they bring with them time-manageable strategies to tackle immediate needs. These managers are specially hired to fill in positions on short notice, providing a quick and effective solution for employers.

The interim manager is typically chosen from the current staff of the organization, but if none of the employees possess the necessary qualifications, external candidates may be considered. The length of the interim manager's tenure is determined by the organization's needs, and if he or she is able to fulfill the position's requirements with skill, there may be the potential for advancement to a permanent position. Therefore, this role presents a chance for career advancement if managed effectively.

Interim Manager Tasks

Improving processes and procedures

Giving suggestions on issues from a position of neutrality on key issues

Interim Manager Skills

Having ambition for the improvement

Have to be goal-oriented

Change management skills

Analytical and strategic thinking

Having a bachelor’s in business administration is crucial for this role, and if you have an MBA, then for sure, it will be more favorable.

Difference between Interim Manager, Acting manager, and manager

An interim manager is a temporary executive who is hired to manage a company during a transitional period. This may be due to a sudden departure of a key employee, a merger or acquisition, or a major change in the company's strategy. Interim managers are usually hired for a specific project or a fixed period of time, and their main objective is to maintain stability and ensure that business operations continue smoothly. They are hired for their expertise and experience in a particular field and are expected to bring new ideas and strategies to the table.

2. Acting Manager

An acting manager is a temporary replacement for a permanent manager who is absent due to illness, vacation, or any other reason. Acting managers are usually selected from within the company and have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the duties of the absent manager. Their role is to maintain the continuity of operations and ensure that the team remains focused and productive. Acting managers have limited decision-making authority and are expected to consult with the permanent manager on major issues.

3. Manager

A manager is a permanent employee who is responsible for leading and managing a team or department within a company. They are accountable for the performance of their team, and their role involves setting goals, developing strategies, and making decisions that will drive the business forward. Managers are expected to have a deep understanding of their industry, and to constantly keep up with new technologies and trends. They are also responsible for hiring, training, and developing their team members, and for ensuring that they have the necessary resources to perform their jobs effectively.

The interim manager is usually brought in to fill the gap left by the permanent manager's departure. Their success in the role may lead to a permanent position if they can earn the employer's trust. Internal candidates are typically preferred for the role, but external candidates may also be considered if necessary.

Undoubtedly, an interim manager can use this as an opportunity to get a significant boost in his/her career.

2. Acting Manager

During this time, they perform the same duties as the regular manager, but are unable to be promoted to the permanent position.

Once the manager returns to the office, the acting manager resumes their previous role. This presents an opportunity for acting managers to showcase their leadership and management skills and gain their employer's trust. This can also lead to potential benefits in the future.

The role of a manager is distinguished from that of an interim or acting manager by its permanent nature and greater skillset. Managers bear significant responsibilities within the organization, including leadership of staff and direction of business operations.

To become a manager in any organization, one has to have proper qualifications as well as enough experience.

Role of Interim Manager

When a company is faced with a crisis, internal politics, or any other obstacle that impedes its progress and growth, an interim manager can provide a quick and effective solution. This individual can step in and address the specific challenges at hand, helping to steer the company back on track towards success.

In the event of a sudden resignation by a PR agency manager, the agency would be faced with two options: investing weeks of time in finding a replacement or bringing on an interim manager while conducting a search for a permanent replacement.

Choosing the second option would undoubtedly provide more practicality, favorability, and profitability. This decision would enable the agency to better streamline both internal and external operations, eliminating any potential obstacles. Additionally, it would provide opportunities for the agency's workforce to advance to management positions.

Do’s and Don’ts of an Interim Manager

If you are promoted to the interim manager, then there are some dos and don’ts that you must follow to win your employer’s confidence –

1. Do’s of Interim Manager

Make sure your employer is aware of the fact that you are interested in the position. Let the higher authorities know what you want to accomplish.

As an interim manager, it's important to prioritize the growth and progress of the entire team. Setting achievable goals and working diligently towards them is crucial. Remember that this is a fresh role, so don't hesitate to seek guidance from a mentor if necessary.

If you are passed over in the end, accept it, but do get a review of the authorities on your work.

2. Don’ts of Interim Manager

Don’t bring arrogance in yourself. Be gentle towards others.

Don’t be too aggressive towards the agendas. Consult with your team before making any decisions.

Don’t overstep your authorities while trying to impress them.

Don’t get into office politics about the manager’s position.

Don’t be arrogant if you are passed over in the end; rather, be gentle and be productive in your original position.

Challenges of an Interim manager

Assuming the role of an interim manager can be a major opportunity for career advancement. However, this position also presents numerous challenges that must be addressed. Let's explore some of the most significant obstacles.

You are new to this designation hence you may not get the confidence with every assignment

You worked extremely hard to prove your position, but then you are passed over, and a new manager is hired.

As an interim manager, you may find yourself limited to tasks that you are already familiar with, due to your lack of training for the position. This can result in a lack of exposure to proper managerial responsibilities. Additionally, the uncertainty of when you may be asked to return to your original position can create feelings of insecurity.

Each new task will present its own unique challenges, requiring you to devise innovative solutions on a regular basis. However, it is precisely these challenges that offer interim managers the chance to make a lasting impact and propel their careers forward.

How to succeed as an interim manager?

You need to work on a specific set of skills to succeed as an interim manager

1. Leadership

Being an interim manager, you have to lead your team; hence working on leadership skills is a must.

2. Organization 

You will face numerous challenges, and to conquer those, you will have to work on your organization skill. Organizing tasks, schedules, and responsibilities is a must.

3. Planning 

To tackle challenges efficiently, you have to plan well; hence working on your planning skill is essential.

4. Communication 

Proper communication with your team is critical to lead your team. You must work on your verbal as well as written communication skills.

5. Decision-making 

Being an interim manager, you are bound to make tough decisions. To make good decisions, you have to evaluate the outcome. Hence you need to work on this.

These are certain areas where you must work to be a successful interim manager. Boosting these skills will help you in winning the confidence of your employer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is evident that interim managers play a crucial role in assisting businesses and organizations during times of crisis. Whether it be the sudden departure of a CEO or GM, an interim management solution can effectively steer a company towards productivity until a permanent replacement is found. As such, interim management services are widely regarded as an invaluable tool in the management of any organization, and it is highly recommended that businesses consider securing a contract with an interim manager as soon as possible.

Interim managers can provide long-term benefits for businesses beyond just crisis management, such as ensuring sustainability and avoiding financial collapse. What is your perspective on the role of interim managers in modern business?