The interim manager, a saviour in a suit?

Interim managers cover a wide range of expertise: project management, development, internationalization, digitalization, reindustrialization, eco-development, sustainable development, etc. They are also sometimes called to the rescue to meet an urgent need for skills, to the point of sometimes being likened to that of a “firefighter on duty”. In this context, we expect him to provide quick and effective solutions, an ability to clean up complex situations before leaving for new missions, with the feeling of a job well done. Should we therefore reduce the role of an interim manager to that of firefighters, always on the alert?

The world of interim management, often considered a playground reserved for experienced professionals, raises an intriguing question: is there really an ideal age to embrace this atypical career? It requires as much dynamism as wisdom, as much inventiveness as pragmatism… In short, qualities that are sometimes considered contradictory and often associated with stages of life: ardour and audacity being linked to youth and a certain form of distance and serenity, supposedly the characteristic of seniors.

An interim manager brings a fresh and objective vision, which is essential for transforming complex situations into growth opportunities. With his freedom of thought, he challenges the status quo and offers innovative solutions. This ability to consider diverse perspectives and anticipate change is crucial to keeping the business competitive. Their flexible and creative approach stimulates innovation within teams, fostering a dynamic environment that nurtures collective success. Investing in a leader who values independence of mind prepares the organization to face current and future challenges, while cultivating an environment conducive to prosperity.

In the ever-changing business scene, interim managers are the directors who are supposed to accompany the actors’ performances with agility. Choosing the right interim manager then becomes a crucial quest, a gamble that can be risky but which, on the other hand, will prove fruitful if all the ingredients have been taken into account in the recruitment process.

Movement is what best characterizes the business world. Flexibility and adaptability are all criteria that have become vital for adaptation. It is therefore not surprising to see the emergence of a position such as that of interim manager that is increasingly popular with companies. Hiring a qualified and experienced professional is not only a wise choice but also a worthwhile investment to optimize their operational performance. So, is this a highly strategic decision?

Let’s face it, we live in an increasingly connected and globalized world. We chat online. We buy online. You can sometimes find your soulmate online. Why should recruitment methods lag behind? The emergence of video conferencing as an omnipresent communication tool may raise questions about the possibility of recruiting interim managers without having the opportunity to meet in person. But the Covid 19 crisis has come and gone and has fundamentally reshuffled the cards concerning processes in companies. Telecommuting has become systematic. Meetings on Teams or Zoom have become commonplace. So, can you have a reliable feeling with a transitional eater with whom you have exchanged behind a screen?