Do you consider interim management to be a necessary evil mandated by unplanned circumstances? If so, this is clearly a necessary evil with the required ROI. In particular, it is not usually found in your company’s business plan. When you are dreaming of the next gear, you do not expect long for the opportunity to intend to take over your business or investment. Rather, it is what you do when there is a skills gap in your core team, the sudden departure of a chief executive, an otherwise competent sitting executive who lacks all the necessary skills needed to execute a modified or expanded element of your strategic plan. Happen, a business obstacle stands in the way of achieving a performance KPI or price advantage, or a critical life cycle pivot in your company that a project CXO requires.
Value Extends Well Beyond Cost Considerations:
With the stage set for this construct of necessity for Interim Services, it’s worth highlighting that the total price tag for interim management is less costly than buyers of the services might first believe. In fact, the all-in costs can be measurably lower than a full-time executive – given the incremental expenses of bonuses, stock incentives, options, and perks – none of which are typically required for Interim Professionals. The additional expenses of a full-time employee also include what are sometimes underestimated costs, such as executive-level healthcare benefits, car reimbursements and payroll burden (i.e. state, federal and social security taxes). With all that said, the services rendered and their related charges are circumstantial, and the actual cost comparison is heavily dependent on many factors, including company size, industry, employer profitability and the unique circumstances of the scenario in question. In contrast, the all-in costs of an interim manager, inclusive of travel and ancillary expenses is an estimated minimum of 20% less costly than that of a long-term hire.
Positive Outcomes of Hiring a Temporary Senior Professional:
All of these broad categories have a dramatic impact on the bottom line for the company.
The Truth of The Matter:
This is not to say that there aren’t other solutions that can be considered for resolving gaps in the senior ranks and with a lower outlay of capital. Although a “do nothing” approach is reminiscent of the “hope is not a strategy” cliché, sometimes companies can leverage existing team members for project work due to a vacated spot, promote from within on an interim basis or split duties among current executives. However, this approach should be weighed carefully.
Interim Management is not always the right solution, but given its impressive and longstanding track record of return on investment and the ability to validate its value with results in the form of completed project work, departmental efficiency, firm KPI’s and the direct cost comparison as outlined above, its utility as a key tool in the toolkit for owners, boards and investors is likely to be heavily (and happily) leveraged for many years to come.
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* Security and Affiliation! *
As the name suggests, an interim manager is a temporary manager. Ideally, this is a matter of mutual understanding. It is therefore clear to both parties that this is a common path, for a common goal, for a limited time period. In this case, advantages of an interim manager can be fully exploited. At that moment the Interim Manager is only committed to success and is not hindered by securing the “job”. They can therefore concentrate completely on the matter at hand, on the essentials. The question of what needs to be done is never about: how do my decisions and actions influence my future in the company? Admittedly, it contradicts the understanding that generally prevails, namely the striving for security and belonging. However, it is only possible to escape this striving if the interim manager’s (self-) confidence in his or her own abilities and possibilities is high enough. It requires the willingness to constantly analyze the market in order to identify economic and market trends, as well as to adjust to the resulting requirements and adapt flexibly.
On the way to independence I often encountered the lack of understanding for the decision and the supposed uncertainty connected with it. Certainly, this way is also not the right for everyone. Only those who are willing to accept it, will have the chance to take advantage of the opportunities. A permanent position and self-employment are two completely different concepts, which are only partially compatible with each other and are therefore usually largely mutually exclusive.
*Opportunities Through the Interim Manager!*
This is one of the opportunities offered by the independence of an Interim Manager. The actions are geared to the task as well as the goal and keep the focus on the essentials without having to worry about “company politics”.
This is exactly where I see one of the reasons, why many things do not work out the way they should. Most of the people involved are often aware of the necessary actions or changes, but out of self-protection and fear of reprisals or not being part of it anymore, they are not addressed or implemented. Only a few dare to come out of their “cover”. If they do, however, they have to expect considerable difficulties with colleagues and superiors.
In practice, this now means that an Interim Manager should always be called in when changes are desired that require unpopular decisions or even the loss of the actual function or unit. The client does not incur any obligations and costs through the use of an Interim Manager as a result of lengthy separation procedures as with a permanent employee, as there are practically no notice periods and even less so no protection against dismissal. The company can hire specialist and management knowledge as required on a temporary basis. This is also one of the advantages of the interim manager, who after a mandate usually has a more or less long period of time off work, which must be used for further training and the continuous improvement of his/her services.
* Not Possible for One Employee! *
In addition to bridging a vacancy, Interim Management is about the concrete implementation of a goal or goals that are useful and important for the company, committing to one another in the long term. In comparison to consulting, it is about the actual implementation of projects with corresponding added values, rather than simply pointing out potentials. To realize profound changes often requires a high effort, which theoretically can also be done by the employees. However, since this cannot be sustained by them in the long run and thus cannot be achieved, they are forced to adjust their workload until it is sustainable for them over a longer period of many years.
So, who is Interim Management for? Actually, for every company that has temporary tasks or objectives that cannot be realized to the desired extent by internal employees for various reasons.
In these fast-moving times with their rapidly increasing changes, interim management can help companies to meet the constantly demanding challenges and to push ahead with their innovations. Ultimately, as a strategic building block for securing competitiveness.
* Success Through Limited Duration of Employment! *
This is the success that assigns the task to the Interim Manager and not the contract with the company. This results in an interesting opportunity for the company and the interim manager to work together with a variety of advantages and high benefits.
To get the complete details, please visit International Executive Consulting LLC or follow us on social Media (LinkedIn & Twitter).
CEOs will occasionally push you down, but mid-level managers will rarely join you. If you do not start at the top, there is a steep climb to get there that puts relationships in your path at risk.
Knowing the employees of the company, their rank and level can prepare you when you start entering the business.
As a sales representative, you should know that you should strive for your C-level decision-makers as soon as possible. That way, you don’t have to put a lot of effort on someone who is not part of the decision-making process to talk about your sale.
Also, it is better to get direct rejection from C-level Executives. If you get one from the lower-level management, you’re always stuck wondering if you can get a yes from the higher-ups instead.
Forget the Features:
The facilities are great for an operations person, but the higher you climb, the more your interaction should be tied to the benefits of their organization.
People in C-level positions constantly think of ways to improve their company. If you can solve the company’s challenges and offer benefits, these executives will be more accessible and may be more ideal to talk to.
C-suite Executives look at their company’s issues from a more perspective, so you should focus on the solutions you can provide. When you list your features one by one, it is not meant to attract anyone up the corporate ladder.
They are always going to be a lot smarter. Also, these business leaders are thinking: “What’s in it for me?”
Thus, you should answer that question before they ask it.
Understand the Priorities of C-Level Executives:
The performance of an Interim CEO is linked to increasing revenue, improving margins and boosting the bottom line. They will spend their time in conversation which will help them to achieve these objectives.
Remember that you should modify your sales pitch to accommodate for the person you are talking to. Therefore, for those within C-level Management, you should not ask basic questions about their company.
In fact, you should already know enough to get straight to the point. If you ask questions about their company’s goals and background, they probably won’t think much of you.
You have to be armed and ready and able to show your understanding of the company’s goals and needs, before they have to say what it means to you.
Let’s connect and share requirement at info@interimcsuiteservices.com.
“It is lonely at the top” is a common saying between CEOs and business owners.
In many cases, you are the head of the organization and you do not have any peer inside the company with whom to talk. Ironically, once you are in that role, you have things to talk about more than ever – vision, strategy, what you want to do next with the business, personnel issues, major challenges, And the list goes on and on.
There is no question, this issue has never been more prevalent.
At IE Consulting LLC, we have recently seen a very large increase in requests for business advisors. I quite often asked why I think this is happening.
My answer, “As the leaders of a company, we are more alone than ever, we do not have all the answers, sometimes feeling like we don’t have visibility into what the future holds, and just need someone to talk to us, be on top for a while and bring their point of view and vision. ”
The next question I get is, “What kind of consultants are CEOs looking for?” My response varies depending on the situation, but below are some examples to help answer that question.
Scenario 1:
A mid-to-large-sized company with a business growth in an industry or business sector is not familiar or comfortable. Interim CEOs are expecting a 50% increase again this year and are unsure what their organizational structure should look like at that point. It has no ratio or compensation benchmark for other companies in the industry as it is a fairly new industry for it. The CEO is looking for someone with a deep industry background to tell him/her what she/he knows and does not do around plans for profitable growth.
Scenario 2:
Small family-owned businesses that seek to focus not just on growth but on business value. The CEO has received an offer to buy the company but it is “not enough to retire.” There are some long-term business relationships that are potential catering. The owners are looking for someone to help them figure out what the roadmap options are, so that an increased assessment can be obtained and they can be trained through the mines.
Scenario 3:
The interim CEO has a long-term employee who aims to help the company manage and reduce its workload. Unfortunately, none of this is happening. S/He knows s/he needs to replace the employee but there is also a long-term connection. S/He is then not sure if s/he needs to move forward and how best to replace the person. The CEO is looking to reduce his/her workload and reduce expenses. She/He is looking for a mentor to help guide in completing both.
In each of these situations, the head of the company had no one who could provide advice internally and needed someone who could step in in that capacity.
As difficult as it is to get beyond our four walls (metaphorical company walls or office / home office walls), it is now more necessary than ever.
Here are some common options for gaining perspective or finding like-minded people and building a credible relationship with them.
Industry Events, Roundtables
CEO Peer Groups
Networking
Growth Consultants
If you feel that you don’t have time for these or are a little too familiar with the above examples, you can bring expertise.
Here are some examples of how to get help within your four walls without hiring someone for long term.
Business Coach
Business Advisor
Advisory Board
Expert Roundtable – Specific to Your Company and Business Issues
Part Time Interim Executive
Interim Executive
There are several options for transferring a conversation from one person to two or more within a trusted and confidential setting. If you do not have it internally with your leadership team, then it is easy to find someone who is suitable for the time you need. Let us know how we can help.
Is there ever a time when it is the right thing to hire outside senior executives for short term assignments in a software or hardware company? If you are based in the US, technical company boards and senior leadership do not seem to have the most specific response to the question of using interim management.
There are obviously many exceptions to this statement. But in most cases when an executive position opens, the next person in that role hires another permanent executive. Much of the idea of too short the time of reflexion is given to some other possible solution.
In small cases where someone is designated in a role with the tag “interim”, it is usually someone from inside the company. In the case of an interim CEO, it is often a current board member.
Let us look at some areas where a senior interim executive should be hired:
Gaps covered with interim management:
This is probably the most common reason for using C-level interim management. One executive has left the company – voluntarily or not. The team needs leadership. You can try to fill this gap by temporarily putting the team under another functional area manager or more junior executive, but of course this is not optimal. Bringing in an experienced interim can often be a great solution allowing you to move the momentum in the area of concern in the right direction, while allowing the company to take the time and a careful, thoughtful hiring process for the next permanent executive.
Change agents:
There are many different reasons that a company may benefit from the use of a change agent. One of the more common scenarios is a company undergoing financial pressure. Although a new permanent freight may take the necessary steps, sometimes it may be beneficial to use an interim manager such as a fleeting change agent to take these steps. An interim can step in and work fast, while the right permanent fare can take a very long time in situations where time is important.
Interim management can serve as change agents in tech companies:
Sometimes a situation arises in companies where conflict over policy or personality is tearing the company down. In these cases, bring in an interim manager with a previous “dog in the hunt”, who may allow him to be in the role of an impartial, honest arbiter to bridge the divide between the warring factions.
Manage a specific project:
The ultimate common reason for retaining senior interim management executive officers in a technology company is the ubiquitous “special project”. There are many good reasons to bring a temporary senior resource for special projects. Sometimes a project is very, very challenging, and it makes sense to bring the most efficient, experience expertise to lift the odds of success.
International Executive Consulting LLC provides C-Level interim executive services to software and hardware companies, in addition to core management consulting services. If you would like to discuss the potential need for an interim executive, contact us using the information below.
Follow Cyril Moreau and International Executive Consulting LLC via Twitter, LinkedIn. Contact Cyril directly at info@interimcsuiteservices.com.
Day by day, the business world is becoming highly competitive. Therefore, businesses must ensure that they have the latest technologies and software to meet the needs at the workplace, to provide quality solutions to customers, and must definitely be ahead of the competition.
With the constantly changing technological trends in the industry, it is quite difficult for businesses to make strategic plans and adopt these technologies. This is where the role of an IT consulting firm comes into play. Interim Executive Consulting LLC helps in making informed decisions with proper and effective management of all the components while handling all deadlock in companies, especially in times of disasters. Therefore, companies hire an IT Consultant to monitor and maintain your company’s network for system upgrades and network-development.
In an increasingly competitive market, many companies are turning to business change consultants to help them keep their business ahead of the competition. These business advisors have the expertise and knowledge to get into a business and recommend the best ways to achieve the goals that will improve the business.
The following are the methods of imposition of business transformation consultancy:
Business Analysis Process – Each leading management consulting performs the following steps while inspecting the company’s existing business processes.
Analysis of Situations or Challenges – During this move, the company analyzes its internal and external industry challenges. Based on these challenges, business change consultants suggest how a company’s strengths can be deployed to meet each of these challenges.
Identifying Opportunities – After analyzing the challenges, business change consultants conduct research on areas where the company can experience growth. In addition, external partnerships, internal improvements and maintaining alliances (to enhance the company’s stance) promote the company’s growth.
Determination of Weaknesses and Gaps – Now, consultants determine all areas where the company is lacking. Once a company’s weaknesses and shortcomings are analyzed, only a consultant can create a road map to improve the internal processes of the business.
Strategic Cancellation – The company’s current strategic positions need to be determined. Later, the advisors suggest to the company how and why it needs to strategically transform itself. For strategic recycling, the company must prioritize its efforts; Management consultants also assist the company’s leadership to prioritize its efforts.
Implement and Evaluate – After formulating the strategies, the consulting firm with the client company implements strategies, initiatives and newly formed processes. Once the strategies are implemented, their performance is evaluated. These consultants have a range of tools and methods to measure the performance of these implemented strategies and initiatives.
As an often-underutilized resource, interim executives for portfolio companies and CEO’s should be used in ways that further your company’s goals. In our final part, we will discuss where to find interim CEOs when you’re in need and what to ask in the interview to ensure everyone’s on the same page.
Where to Look
If your business is in a bind, you have options. There’s a variety of spots on the web and services you can employ to ensure that you get the help you need quickly and efficiently. Maybe you’re new to this and need some guidance. Below are just some options and ideas that you can look at when you’re in need of an interim CEO.
Social Media:
Social media is no longer just a way for old friends to connect over the internet. Businesses use social media to promote themselves. Professionals use social media to get jobs. LinkedIn, in particular, is one of the top most popular social media platform.
Specialized Staffing Companies:
If you do a Google search, this is likely the most common way that you’ll be able to connect with interim CEOs or interim management. Specialized staffing companies like the three listed below work directly with qualified candidates to ensure they are matched with a suitable company.
What to Ask
Past performance is the best indicator of future performance, and as a result, you’ll want to ask your potential interim executive the right questions to ensure that they have the correct experience to help you. Here are some of our recommended questions to ensure you select the best interim executive for you.
In your own words, can you tell me what we do?
This question will not only catch a serious candidate but will also catch candidates who know what they’re doing. You want a candidate who has done research on your company, not only because that’s good practice before an interview, but also because the interim executives for portfolio companies CEO who is quick to learn, understand, and analyze your company’s situation will be more apt to help your company succeed.
What is the most grounded quality that you bring to the table given our current situation?
This is as much a strength question as it is a culture question. You can have a great interim executive who doesn’t fit with your company culture and it won’t make much of a difference. Depending on what the candidate names as their strongest attribute will determine what their impact on the culture is, what approach they will take, and how effective they will be.
What do you offer to us that we cannot do ourselves?
Most companies require a fresh set of eyes and ears as well as stability in order to be successful. The next level of growth comes with something different than what you already possess as a company. What makes this candidate unique from your management’s current skillset? This is your potential interim executive’s opportunity to show you what they can do for you.
Tell us about a time that you resolved a situation?
If your interim executive doesn’t have the necessary skills to navigate the challenges of your specific company, they’re likely not the best fit. You’ll be able to tell which candidate stands out if someone has specifically dealt with a situation like yours before. Someone with a proven track record will be able to jump in and assist your company immediately unlike someone with no experience.
Describe your exit strategy in an interim role like this one?
The nature of an interim role is that your CEO will be there for the short-term only. Having an individual who understands what their presence means and how they will potentially extract themselves will be an asset to your company. How they enter and exit the company will impact your company culture and your business success. Neither of you should forget about how transition plays a part in this period of time.
Visit us for more information at International Executive Consulting LLC or give us a call at +1 202-258-5376!
The CEOs job in an organisation is like no other. They are responsible for action of every employee and every decision in the company. Being a C-suite executive requires strong understanding of business fundamentals, leadership skills and technical expertise. They are the one responsible for creating successful business models, provide competitive edge and develop strong risk management strategies.
The unexpected sudden departure of this C-level Executive for many reasons like a progressive career move, retirement or a personal matter can leave a company shattered. This can impact every level of the company, having a negative impact on company culture. A swift C-suite exit can lead to the departure of other executives, while causing delay of new products and services and loss of revenue.
To effectively overcome such crisis and combat such leadership gaps, businesses need to have a succession hiring plan in place. However, it can take up 2-3 months to get a replacement CEO or other C-suite executive in place.
This is where an interim consultant comes for business’s rescue.
You might be thinking where we can find an Interim Consultant in the USA? Here’s a quick guide.
Way towards Interim Executive Managers
International Executive Consulting is a reputed consulting firm that provides highly qualified executives for short term to effectively fill the unexpected leadership gaps. These interim C-suite executives are much easier and quicker to hire. They come into effect as soon as they join the workforce.
The consulting firm offers short term access to the talented top management, saving business from funding permanently. These result driven interim managers with an independent eye, exude latest thinking with a go-getter attitude. This allows them to fast track a critical project with their strategic capabilities.
Here are some of the most important advantageous features to find an interim consultant:
Advantageous Features of Interim Consultants
Serving a temporary job role, an interim leader mostly set up for the next executive to take charge. They can help the organizations identify what they can look for in their next leader.
Often over-qualified for the role, these interim executives have years of experience of working in different industries on varying projects. Such expertise brings wealth of knowledge that allows interim executive managers help business identify their unique strategy that can help business gain competitive advantage, enter new market or re-evaluate products, services and operations.
They mostly act as third party evaluators. Their take on projects is very different and unique than a permanent hire. Interim leaders serve the urgency of fulfilling a business critical project, needed for long term success.
Having interim managers saves businesses from expensive severance packages and contracts. Contact Interim C-suite consulting service to find interim consultants in the USA.