Is interim management the right way forward for your company?

Interim management can be much more than an outsider bringing in fresh ideas, valuable as this can be. When the unexpected happens an interim manager can take the reins of the company, a division, or a function, steering the company in the right direction, becoming part of the senior management team. Listed below are a number of scenarios where an interim manager or management team may be of assistance.

Do any of the following scenarios apply to your company?

• Product launch - you are about to launch a new product and you require some specialist marketing expertise to research the market, assess the opportunity/competition and create the product positioning. You need an experienced executive who knows the market and can immediately source the right information you require to help you make the correct decisions for the success of your new product.

• Company turnaround - your company is in a nosedive and initiatives from your management team have not sufficiently reversed the trend. You need to bring in a proven heavy hitter for a short period to assess the situation and suggest changes.

• Ignite an ailing sales team - it may be that your sales team is struggling and you require an experienced executive with the skills to create a new team - create a new strategy - drive the team forward - create a new sales process - build internal bridges - or just lead the team from the front, finding new sales. Bringing in the right executive can have a dramatic effect upon your sales team.
  
  
• Open up a reseller channel - has your company decided to change sales strategy? Would you relish the input of an experienced executive with the contacts and 'know how' to kick start your new channel plans?
  
  
• Explore a new specialist market - are you currently looking at moving into a new specialist market. Having an interim manager with the knowledge of this potential market could save months, even years of wasted effort and money. Avoid the frustration of throwing valuable resources at market that you really should have avoided. An interim manager can enable you to make a more informed and quicker decision by brain dumping his knowledge of the specialist market and its requirements.
  
  
• Company fire fighter - Do you need a Red Adair? An unexpected situation has arisen in your company and you need it stamped out NOW! Bring in the expert who can have 100% focus on the situation until it is quickly and safely resolved.
  
  
• Launch a new service - you need to spread your risk and increase your revenue sources, so you decide to create a professional services department. Get it right first time by bringing in a top expert who can create the team and procedures and then leave you with a shiny and well oiled new weapon in your armoury.

What other factors lead companies to use interim managers?

• You need to complete some specific work but do not want to wait for the new budgets
• You need cover for medium term sickness
• You have a permanent headcount freeze but require additional skills
• The requirements of your market or company have temporarily changed but your skill base hasn't
• You need immediate availability
• A key member of your management has unexpectedly left
• Your company is experiencing operational problems

So what are the benefits of an interim manager?

Fresh approach
It is surprising sometimes what a change of direction, supported by senior management can do. New ideas can make the difference and if the previous incumbent was at the company for an extended period they may not have acknowledged the pressing need for change.

Immediate action
Taking on an interim manager will focus the team - a team that may otherwise be pulling in different directions. The fact that the team is focused and making a concerted effort will be visual and have a positive effect on the whole organisation.

Fast acceptance
Being accepted immediately will help deliver results. Interim managers will be seen as people who can make a difference building internal confidence and therefore will be widely accepted at all levels throughout the company.

Senior and credible interface
The interim manager is accustomed to interfacing with senior executives and representing companies at the highest level. Having accumulated a wide variety of skills to draw on, the interim manager will be credible and accepted by customers, prospects and other corporate interfaces (bank, business partners, solicitors, accountants and other professional organisations).

Parachuted in one man task force
Nowadays, interim managers can be hired rapidly. They expect to hit the ground running, making a difference almost immediately. They possess the skills to 'make it happen'. Often seen as a rapid reaction force - when they land they start to work and continue until milestones are met or exceeded.

Quantifiable period
Short-term interim management assignments will allow companies to hire effectively throughout any downturn. It may only take six months to complete an assignment. During this period you can hire a permanent executive and involve the interim manager in the selection process. This takes the pressure off everyone who naturally wants to hire an executive but additionally provides a better window for the company to work within. Often the 20,000 foot view seen by the interim manager will provide an unbiased view of the skills that are required today to ensure success in a new economy.

What are the costs?

Probably less than you think. Especially when you take into account no car allowance, no pension contributions and no training costs. Charges obviously vary according to the responsibilities involved and the length of interim assignment. We will be happy to give a precise quotation after discussing your requirements.

What next?

If you have identified a possible interim management requirement within your company, then Document Boss can draw upon a vast arsenal of senior management personnel with the specific niche skills from the eDM technology sector to suit your organisation. Executives who know the industry, know your market and really understand the technology. Please complete the short eForm by clicking here or contact us by email Bossinterimmanagement@documentboss.com alternatively you can telephone (see contact details)