In many ways, the idea of interim management was once considered anathema to the growth and development of a commercial venture. This outlook has gradually begun to shift in the digital age, where firms are increasingly inclined to eschew permanence in the pursuit of an adaptable and agile business model.
Nowhere is this approach more apparent than in the world of professional football, where top-flight teams like Chelsea and Watford have spent years hiring and firing interim managers whilst continuing to enjoy relative success.
This trend is also prevalent across a number of different industries, whilst it’s part of a wider approach that encourages companies to hire creative talent and non-essential employees on the basis of individual projects whilst retaining a small core of permanent staff.
But why can this ethos be beneficial, and would it create genuine value for your company? Here are some of the key considerations.
1. The Importance of Expertise and the Transference of Knowledge
Let’s start with the basics; as the key skills and expertise required by individual stakeholders will vary depending on the demands of individual projects.
This applies to both an interim manager and a creative team, as individuals can be hired on a temporary basis to fill existing gaps in knowledge and ensure that each project is carried out to the highest possible standards.
In the case of interim managers in particular, it’s fair to surmise that these individuals also tend to be overqualified for individuals positions and boast an array of experience in a number of different areas.
As a result, they can provide immense value for money from a commercial perspective, particularly those that need to deliver a diverse range of projects over time.
At the same time, they can also transfer key items of knowledge onto their employees and fellow managers, creating a more experienced and effective workforce in the process.
2. Introduce New Ideas and an Impartial Outlook
When hiring an interim manager or a temporary team of creatives, you’re instantly injecting new ideas into your business and providing a shot in the arm for employees who may have seen their productivity levels decline.
This can be particularly beneficial when brining in creative artworkers or copywriters for a predetermined period of time, as these individuals will have their own unique outlooks and bring a fresh perspective that adds a unique dimension to your brand.
In the case of interim managers, this new and impartial perspective also helps to separate work and project-based tasks from existing company politics.
So, whilst interim managers tend to be open and adaptable to alternative company cultures, they’re also able to apply strategic thinking to projects and operate in the way that gets the best out of their employees in any given scenario.
3. Optimise the Speed and Delivery of Work
In general terms, both interim managers and project-based creatives are hired to undertake urgent and immediate work.
By definition, they’re subsequently required to hit the ground running and apply their targeted skills with immediate effect, creating a sense of urgency and intent that can optimise the speed with which work is completed.
What’s more, this can be achieved without compromising on the overall quality of the finished project, as you’ll have hired individuals based on their core competencies and overall suitability to the work requirements.
When it comes to interim managers, these individuals also tend to be extremely adaptable and used to working at speed from the outset. They can also use this experience to help galvanise and motivate others, ensuring that everyone works with the optimal level of efficiency from the start.