FAQ's

How does being an interim executive differ from employment?

Anyone considering a 'new career' as an interim executive should understand it is not for the faint-hearted. Rather, it is a privileged position that affords an unparalleled opportunity to drive through change and to make a real difference.

The following table summarizes the key differences:

Aspect	Employment	Interim Assignment
Selection Process	Many meetings over several months	One or two meetings, decision within days
Matching to Role	A step up - must have potential to grow with job, must be stretched	A step down - must be over-qualified for the role, well within comfort zone
Status	Employee	Hired Expert
Relationship with Boss	Boss/Subordinate	Client/Agent of Change
Honeymoon Period	A few months	A few days at most
Challenge	Become integral member of management team with long-term perspective	Deliver agreed program of change or transition
Motivation	Still career building, still looking for a bigger and better job	Apply experience to lead a team through a period of change & transition, coaching and mentoring the individuals
Objectivity	Required to go native	Must not go native
Perceived threat to others	Competing with others for influence and promotion	Not job seeking so not in the race
Internal politics	Relations with others determines promotion prospects	Semi-detached. So long as it doesn't interfere with the delivery of the assignment
Visibility of cost to the company	Part of the payroll, paid automatically by bank transfer, many hidden extras	Highly visible, an invoice has to be signed off and a check written
Added extras	Paid holidays, sick pay, pension, health coverage, car	None
'Life expectancy' of job	No exit is foreseen	Exit needs to be planned from Day 1
Relocation	Generally expected to relocate to show commitment	Location is not an issue - except living away means long days are easier
Duration in practice	2 to 5 years?	6 to 15 months?
Notice	6 to 12 months?	1 month normally

So you want to be a Successful Interim?
A client will hire an interim executive when their organization is faced with a problem or an opportunity that requires immediate attention. They are looking for someone who has seen it and done it before - someone who would be operating entirely in their own comfort zone - immediately credible and totally competent.

Attitude

• Willingness to drop everything and just go (requires a supportive family)
• “Presence” and a positive, “make-it-happen” approach
• Not bothered about titles and status - prepared to work a level down
• Objectivity - no hidden agendas, not looking for a job or an MBO

Skills

• Presenting yourself to win the audition
• Fast entry - instant credibility, listening and analyzing
• Delivery - leadership, energy, creativity, team building and motivation
• Clean exit - leave structure, a plan, transferred skills

Experience

• Recent line (or project) management
• Recent successful delivery of change/transition
• Up-to-date knowledge in area of specialization

3 or 4 strong, enthusiastic references