Flexi Personnel

Tag: Interim Managers

  • Five Reasons Why Interim Managers Succeed Faster than Permanent Managers

    Five Reasons Why Interim Managers Succeed Faster than Permanent Managers

    The concept of Interim managers is common across many industries and businesses today. In fact, since the outbreak of COVID-19, more and more businesses are looking forward to working with interim managers in the future.

    According to multiple surveys, digital leadership and interim management will be two of the most in-demand services over the next few years. This comes in the wake of coronavirus, which changed life as we know it and how we conduct business.

    Interim managers, also known as temporary executives or provisional managers, are outsourced to help failing companies, transitioning companies, and firms who have recently vacated a senior position.

    Recruiting a permanent manager in such situations is no longer ideal. According to multiple studies, 3 out of every five newly hired CEOs find it difficult to make an impression in their first 18 months. Additionally, a bad managerial hire could plunge the company into losses, with companies reporting losses in excess of $60,000 to $2.7 million.

    Such factors have led firms to prefer interim managers over traditional or permanent executives. Here are five reasons why interim managers are better than permanent managers.

    The Origin and History of Interim Managers

    Since the industrial revolution, companies worldwide have always seemed to lean towards permanent employment, even in senior positions. However, after a couple of economic recessions, specifically in the 1930s and 1970s, firms reconsidered this position.

    The recession that plagued the early 1990s led businesses to look for quick and effective solutions to senior problems. As a result, the concept of interim managers came to be. Interim managers or company doctors were associated with failing businesses and the need to replace executives after sudden departures.

    Today, interim managers are common across the United States and European countries such as the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Their niche has broadened and matured outside the realm of turnaround.

    Why Interim Managers Succeed Faster than Permanent Managers

    Here are the skills and qualities that interim managers have

    Interim Managers Have Experience

    Temporary managers have the necessary in-depth industry experience. They have a track record of excellent project management. As a result, they can quickly hit the ground running after taking on a given assignment.

    Interim Managers Bring with Them Technical Skills and Abilities

    According to a survey, over 90% of CFOs and FDs plan on working with interim executives over the next 12 months. From this figure, 46% said that project management was the main reason as to why they would like to work with interim execs.

    What’s better is that approximately 55% of all interim managers are on C Level assignments. C level assignments include acting in capacities similar to CEOs, CFOs (chief financial officers), FDs, CIO, and COO positions. People operating in such capacities control about 46% of all corporate operations. This goes on to show just how effective interim managers are.

    Shortly after recruitment, interim managers demonstrate their leadership skills by motivating and leading the current crop of employees towards accomplishing organizational goals. They set achievable goals, especially in the day-to-day operations of the organization.

    Interim managers succeed faster than permanent managers because of their experience and technical know-how. Permanent managers might not have experience handling different and challenging assignments where interim managers do.

    They are Highly Optimistic

    Optimism, especially during challenging times riddled with COVID-19, is hard to come by. However, one reason interim managers always exceed is because of the power of their optimism, and rightly so.

    Temporary executives take on failing projects and mobilize their resources to be able to provide the desired transformation. They don’t look at the economy and hope that things will get better. Rather they use their talents to drive the company to effective and sustainable solutions.

    Interim Executive Managers are Time Sensitive

    Provisional senior executives succeed faster than permanent managers because they are cognizant of the project time sensitivity. Many interim managers are sought after because of their effective project turnaround in a short time span.

    Project assignments last not more than two years. However, the standard contract life of an interim manager is one year. Temporary managers succeed faster than permanent managers because they can orchestrate change in a short time span.

    Time management is a skill only top-level managers possess. Such skills make them permanent managers.

    Interim Executives Have a Strong Mindset and are Results Driven

    Another reason why interim manager succeeds faster than temporary managers is because interim executives have a strong mindset. They have a strong task orientation, which makes them accomplish tasks faster than traditional managers.

    Where consultants and permanent managers might be motivated by the financial remuneration, interim managers are judged by their ability to deliver immense value to the client.

    Key Differences between Interim Managers and Permanent Managers

    It is clear at this stage that temporary executive directors are reasonably overqualified for most senior managerial positions. They are results-oriented and often deliver results that are beyond the initial terms of the agreement.

    Such qualities make these individuals highly sort after by many companies today. So, what are the main differences between interim managers and permanent managers?

    Interim Managers are Problem Solvers

    Interim managers are hired because of their track record and experience in solving problems limiting companies from achieving profitability. On the other hand, a permanent manager is hired because of their leadership skills, which are important for mobilizing the current crop of employees towards achieving organizational goals.

    Duration of Company Engagement

    What is an interim position? A position held by an individual for a short time, usually less than one year in the corporate world. Appointment and succession are all made temporarily.

    Interim managers often draw contracts that span no more than a year. However, it is normal to see some interim executive managers stay on a given assignment for two years. In addition, clients often approach interim managers and offer permanent positions, but most are committed to their craft and end up declining such offers. Temporary directors leave once the contract has run its course.

    On the other hand, permanent managers are hired for the best results in the long run. As the name suggests, permanent managers have a degree of permanency attached to their jobs. It is common to hear permanent managers who have stayed with the parent organization for over 10 to 30 years.

    What Kind of Assistance do Interim Managers Offer?

    What does an interim manager do? They act as temporary leaders in companies undergoing critical change or transition. They fill a position on short notice and use their extensive experience to guide a business to accomplishing organizational goals.

    So, what kind of assistance should you expect from interim managers?

    Project Management

    Project management is the extensive application of methods, techniques, experience, and skills to achieve specific objectives within the desired parameters. It best suits interim managers as project management has a set beginning date/ time and end date/ time.

    Project management is often challenging as project managers must accomplish all the project’s goals within given constraints. Interim managers are perfect for project management. They have the necessary experience required to accomplish project goals.

    Project goals are such as;

    • Implementing new strategies
    • Expanding into other market regions
    • Implementation of new technology
    • Relocating or opening up new branches
    • When there are mergers, demergers, or acquisitions  involved
    • Company restructuring
    • Major programs that lead to cultural changes

    Gap Management

    A managerial skill gap occurs when a company or manager finds themselves lacking the skills or human capital necessary to operate at the highest level. According to a survey, over 72% of British employers were worried about a shortage of leadership and management skills in 2012.

    Gap management occurs due to a host of reasons. For instance, a senior executive in your company could have recently vacated his/ her position due to death, resignation, or personal reasons. Managerial gaps could occur as a result of poor staffing, acquisition, or executive recruitment processes.

    As a result, companies are advised to outsource high-level executive directors to fill the management void. But before succession, expect the following services from an interim manager with respect to gap management;

    • The abrupt departure of a senior manager
    • Managerial gaps from a start-up enterprise
    • Change in management
    • Restructuring

    Turnaround Management

    Turnaround management is a process involving the renewal of corporate practices. The process utilizes analysis and evaluation tools to save companies in distress. Failing companies turn to managers with the technical know-how to revive them.

    Turnaround management is time-sensitive. Companies are often advised to act quickly before it’s too late. This is where an external expert such as an interim manager comes in.

    Turnaround management has practices similar to those in interim management or management coaching. Here are some forms of assistance in turnaround management that you should expect from your interim managers;

    • Crisis management
    • Turnaround of underperforming divisions or departments
    • Recover failing projects

    Should you Hire an Interim Manager or a Permanent Manager

    The short answer; it depends on your company’s situation. Some situations call for professional assistance from interim managers and some of which require a permanent manager.

    For instance, if you are going through a rough patch causing a massive dip in your profits, it’s probably time you considered working with an interim manager. Here are some other situations that call for the professionalism and skills of an interim manager.

    • If you need to fill a managerial gap right away
    • If you are launching your products and services in a new market and lack the managerial skills to see the project through.
    • You are going through a transformation and lack the necessary internal capability to see the project through successfully. According to a recent survey, only 42% of all businesses have the internal capability of successfully orchestrating change in their businesses.
    • If you need a specific set of skills and talents that are currently lacking within the organization.
    • You are going through a merger, demerger, or acquisition.

    If you check at least one of these boxes, you should strongly consider looking for an interim manager.

    Are You Looking for an Executive Interim Manager?

    Headhunting for interim managers is not an easy task. It can take a firm 6 months on average to fill a managerial gap through an interim manager. In addition, the costs of the executive search process tend to be slightly on the higher side.

    Remember, temporary executive directors, are not people who look for jobs online or on newspapers. Instead, they are well connected and only get notified when a job matching their qualifications arises. You can still choose to do the executive recruiting process using your company’s recruiting team, but that can be costly, and lengthy not to mention the heightened risk of having a ‘bad hire’. For all this reason, you should strongly consider using an executive search firm specializing in executive search services such as Flexi Personnel.

    Flexi Personnel is one of Africa’s leading HR solutions firm with a track record of delivering interim executives globally. We have worked with major global brands looking to set up shop in countries such as Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana, just to mention a few.

    We are constantly evaluating and accepting applications from interim managers. Most of these individuals contact us through our website, but we also have a large network of interim managers, ex-clients, and fellow peers, all of which we have gathered over in the last 12 years.

    Whichever source it is, we cautiously assess candidates before accepting them into our portfolio to ensure that we meet the high standards that you deserve. We have a massive network and database comprising of proven career professionals looking for job opportunities. Quickly, we match an interim manager with your company’s requirements to deliver the best results.

    We would like to work with you on your next managerial project. Contact us today at Flexi Personnel for interim management solutions or any other human-resource solutions.

  • Differences Between an Interim Manager and Consultant

    Differences Between an Interim Manager and Consultant

    Understanding the key differences between an interim manager and a consultant could save you a lot of money and resources when staffing. However similar to their roles in a business are, these two positions have varied differences.

    The concept of an interim manager is fairly new in most countries. This leads to misinterpretations of the job description between contractors, job description, project managers, and interim managers.

    The main differences between these positions are in the delivery and experience. However, all companies would significantly benefit from their capabilities. With that said, understanding the differences between an interim manager and a consultant is important to identify which services suit you better.

    Here are the main differences between an interim manager and a consultant.

    Who are Interim Managers?

    Interim managers are highly-skilled and experienced professionals employed for a short period to solve a specific problem. The word ‘interim’ means temporary or provisional. The overall process involving the provision of these senior executives is known as interim management.

    Also known as provisional executives, these individuals have a track record of project and crisis management. However, their tenure in an organization is fairly short, with most interims working as long as two years and as short as six months.

    Today, many firms and corporations are making the switch from traditional executives in favour of temporary directors, and rightly so. In most organizations, the executives and top management dictate the policies and activities of an organization.

    However, tying an executive down for the long term is risky, especially in this unstable economic climate. For instance, COVID-19 has brought uncertainty and slumped growth in the economy. Additionally, it is common for organizations to lose their executives suddenly.

    In such situations, it would be massively risky to tire down an executive for the long run. For such reasons, many businesses opt for short-term and effective replacements in interim managers’ shape to steer them in the desired direction.

    What do Interim Managers Do? An Interim Manager’s Job Description

    Just like permanent managers, interim managers have the primary responsibility of helping a business meet its organizational goals and objectives. However, one key difference that sets interim executives apart is the duration of stay and influence of company culture.

    As a result, they can provide a fresh and meaningful perspective on various business processes. Here are other responsibilities and roles of an interim manager.

    • Carry out primary objectives, which include meeting the goals and objectives of the business unit.
    • Work with human resources to recruit, interview, screen, and hire qualified employees
    • Empower and get the best out of the current staff by leading them to meet the organization’s objectives for productivity and goal accomplishment.
    • Oversee the operational responsibilities, including the budget and other financial responsibilities
    • Fostering a spirit of teamwork and unity among employees
    • Plan, evaluate, and implement the efficiency of the business
    • Establish and maintain relevant controls and feedback
    • Review performance data
    • Working and communicating with other executives in line with organizational goals.
    • Training employees
    • Plan and set goals for the short-term period
    • Perform any other duties or roles assigned to them

    There are many other job responsibilities and duties that a temporary manager does, similar to a permanent manager. However, the main differences lie in duration and company culture.

    Key Skills and Qualities of an interim Manager

    All interim managers have a special skill set that makes them competent in handling tough business assignments or projects. The following are some essential skills and qualities of temporary executives.

    • Leadership Skills It is mandatory for seniors in an organization to possess leadership skills. Such skills are essential for motivating the team and getting the most out of them.
    • Communication In addition to soft skills, a provisional director must have the skills to communicate verbally and non-verbally to the staff. This includes listening, receiving, and giving feedback.
    • Computer Competence The current pandemic has limited many in the white-collar industry to work from home. As a result, knowledge of computers and software is paramount for communication and the completion of projects.
    • Organization Skills Tasks, schedules, and responsibilities often characterize senior managerial positions. As a result, interim managers have great organizational skills that allow them to take on many tasks and responsibilities effectively.
    • Planning A project or assignment’s success depends on the manager’s ability to plan and implement the necessary strategies. This includes analyzing directives and detailing the structure to be followed when completing tasks.

    Who are Consultants?

    Consultants are individuals sought after by companies and businesses alike to offer their expert opinions and advice to improve their performance while meeting organizational goals.

    Consultants are famed for their ability to analyze and solve problems. This is commonly referred to as management consulting. Companies often need assistance when implementing changes or solving problems. Management consultants provide their expertise to aid such businesses to meet their goals.

    The management consulting industry has been rapidly growing with each passing year. Before the coronavirus outbreak, the management consulting industry was valued at $160 million in the United States alone. However, the pandemic forced the industry into a sharp decrease of approximately $30 million to $132 million.

    Nonetheless, organizations hire management consultants for advice, including strategies, financial advice, technology, business logistics, and human resources. Here are more duties, roles, and responsibilities of consultants.

    What Does a Management Consultant Do? Consultant Job Description

    Consultants perform in a number of roles and responsibilities. For this reason, it is possible to derive different types of consultants, including strategy, human resource, operations, technology, and financial advisory consultants.

    • Facilitate conversations and discussions with parent companies regarding areas of improvements
    • Analyze and give a detailed report about a specific problem.
    • Suggest possible solutions and devise ways of implementation.
    • Support business development activities, including both strategic and operational activities.

    Key Skills and Qualities of a Consultant

    Good consultants can demonstrate skills that help in solving a particular problem to improve business processes. The following are key skills that consultants possess in their line of work.

    • Problem-solving skills A consultant’s main roles may vary, but the ability to solve problems is an important skill that good consultants possess.
    • Creative and critical thinking Creativity is paramount in many industries, including art, graphic design, food, and writing. However, it is necessary in this field as it encourages brainstorming and critical thinking to help solve problems.
    • Communication skills The ability to communicate clearly and work seamlessly with other people is important in many fields, including this one. Upon analysis and identification of solutions, a consultant will use communications skills to the clients. Not only that, but communication skills also help consultants to work with other employees and clients while building a healthy relationship.
    • Organization skills. Many consultants are independent contractors. As a result, they need excellent organization and time management skills to work on their own schedule. Such skills are paramount in preparing meetings and accomplishing tasks.
    • Competence with all job levels Consultants work in different company positions, including senior management. As a result, consultants must-have skills that enable them to work comfortably at all job levels.

    Key Differences Between an Interim Manager and Consultant

    • Implementation As you might have noticed, a consultant’s job description stops after giving advice. They are usually not involved in the implementation process. However, an interim manager goes the extra mile to implement solutions to the problems faced by an organization. Execution is an activity not performed by management consultants. Temporary managers will not only give recommendations to clients, but they follow through with executing the recommendations.
    • Length of Employment In today’s marketplace, consultants are slowly being transformed from permanent or full-time employees to independent contractors. However, there are still consultants who are employees of a given organization. This means that amongst other things, the employer might influence the length of employment of a consultant. On the other hand, an interim manager only works for a short time. A contract here is usually between 3 to 12 months, depending on the assignment’s nature.
    • Payment The cost of hiring a consultant is fairly high, considering they might be entitled to bonuses, allowances, and medical cover. However, this will all depend on the length and specifications of the contract. Temporary directors are relatively affordable as they only get paid for the days they work.
    • Experience and Skills. One key difference between a consultant and an interim manager involves the skillset and experience. On the one hand, an interim manager is highly skilled and experienced in handling crises that arise during business operations. However, a consultant might lack the depth of experience that is prevalent among provisional executives. Additionally, they lack the skillset and experience needed for the execution or implementation of policies that help in turning a business’ situation around.

    When to Hire an Interim Manager

    Different circumstances call for different responses. Such situations may warrant the need for a temporary executive. With that said, using an interim manager could prove to be the difference that your business needs.

    However, an interim manager’s prowess is best used in dire situations that call for an immediate and effective response. If your business is in the following situations, you should strongly consider hiring a provisional manager.

    • If your business was significantly affected by COVID-19. The global pandemic in the shape of COVID-19 rocked many businesses globally, leaving few unscathed. While we have never seen a health crisis of this magnitude in a while, interim managers have the skillset to handle such effectively.
    • If your business is going through a transformation. It is normal for businesses to change one way or another, because the business environment is constantly changing as well However, only a handful of companies have the infrastructure to ensure that the overall process is smooth. According to a recent report, only 42% of all businesses have the capability to drive business transformation. As a result, your business will benefit from hiring an interim executive with a proven track record of successful business transformation.
    • If the existing seniors recently vacated their managerial position. If an executive in your management team unexpectedly departed from the board, it would be best to hire an interim manager. For one, temporary executive leaders are a quick yet effective solution to such a problem. The last thing you’d want is to search for an executive to fill the position permanently, exposing you to all sorts of risks in the long run. Choosing an interim leader will allow you some time to strategize for a candidate that suits your organizational needs in the long run.

    When to Hire a Consultant

    Hiring a consultant is a gesture of commitment to a large investment, including money and time. You should consider a consultant if you are in the following predicament;

    • If you need to maintain certain business processes and operations. Crucial to the success of your business is the effective maintenance of business processes and operations. It is normal for companies to lack the time or ability to assess their operations’ core carefully. Hiring a consultant can help you optimize these processes and help you operate more efficiently.
    • If you lack in-house resources, including expert insights. If you are looking to run new campaigns or projects and lack the expert insight to do so, you should strongly consider employing a consultant. Remember, such decisions weigh heavy on the success of your company. Having a specialist will reduce the risk of making mistakes while working on the project. Not only that, but a consultant will help you cut costs while avoiding the risk of failure in the future.

    Looking for an Interim Manager or Consultant?

    Are you looking for an interim manager or consultant? Shortlisting and recruiting candidates in both of these fields can be challenging. Finding candidates with such talents can be increasingly difficult, not to mention time-consuming. For instance, it can take you up to six months in the selection process to find a talented manager with a proven track record.

    For this reason, many organizations, both large and small, opt to use the services of third-party firms such as Flexi Personnel. Flexi Personnel is the leading provider of HR solutions in East and Central Africa.

    With over 12 years’ experience in providing recruitment and employment solutions, Flexi Personnel guarantees a high degree of professionalism and quality. Additionally, we have worked with many esteemed brands worldwide.

    Over the years, Flexi Personnel has established an immense database and portfolio comprising of top talent from all over the world. These individuals have been rigorously vetted to ensure that we maintain high-quality standards.

    We would like to work with you on your next project. Get in touch with us today at Flexi Personnel, for this and more HR management solutions to help you achieve your organizational goals.

  • 5 Benefits of Using an Interim Manager

    5 Benefits of Using an Interim Manager

    If there is one thing that we have all learned as a result of COVID-19 is that business changes are inevitable. The current market place is becoming more and more unpredictable, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to exercise their span of control effectively. Interim managers present a short-term solution for companies going through a rough patch.

    Companies have struggled to stay ahead of the competition while generating growth and remaining relevant. For such reasons, firms must secure the services of talented managers or executives to spearhead the business in the right direction, while avoiding pitfalls.

    A talented senior brings with them a wealth of resources, including experience and skills vital for a company’s success. Rightly the CEO controls about 45% of the company’s operations. However, winning the war for today’s top talent is critical and challenging, given the turbulent state of the economy and the market place. Just three out of every five newly appointed CEO’s live up to the performance requirements.

    Not only that but in the current non-profit industry, 3 out of 4 executive directors are set to leave their jobs over the next five years. All these factors have led organizations today to shift away from the traditional permanent roles of top-level managers in favour of interim managers. But who are interim managers?

    An Interim Manager Defined

    An interim manager is a top-level executive who is experienced and has a particular set of skills necessary for solving a specific problem in a very short period. 

    The word ‘interim’ is used to describe a brief or temporary period. In essence, an interim manager is a temporary executive who provides his/her exemplary services for a short time. This could range anywhere from 3 months to 9 months or as long as two years in the business world. Companies today are moving away from permanent executive job positions to interim executive positions (also known as C-level positions).

    It is no secret that a company’s executives control a significant portion of an organization’s policies and activities. The best course of action for companies who have suddenly lost a senior top-level manager or are going through a transformation would be to seek the services of an interim manager. Why?

    Newly appointed CEOs often struggle to make an impact. In fact, three out of every five recently hired CEOs fail to live up to their performance expectation in their first 18 months. So, tying down a new CEO or any executive for a long time might prove costly in the long run.

    Interim executive managers are individuals with proven track records and a portfolio of similar assignments. These heavyweights are known for having the ability to make significant improvements in a very short time. Plus, their contract ends after a short while, allowing you enough time to look for your ideal candidate to fill the long-term position.

    But hiring a provisional manager is often challenging as the process is time-consuming and tedious. For this reason, most companies opt to use the outsourcing services of top HR solution firms like Flexi Personnel.

    Why are so Many Companies Looking for Interim Managers?

    Over the last 30 years, the interim management industry has been growing by approximately 20% to 40% percent every year. Currently, the industry is valued at over $3 billion, with the USA leading the world with the highest number of interim management firms in the world. Additionally, a 2019 survey showed that digital leadership and interim management are expected to be the most in-demand search consulting service.

    Not only that, but companies are ‘headhunting’ for interim executives in other parts of the world, including Africa. According to a survey, 57% of interim managers work with international companies overseas to provide services to the domestic market. Flexi Personnel is one of the best HR solutions firms in Africa that has worked with global clients looking to set up shop in the African Domestic market.

    There is no denying the fact that interim management is an industry on the rise, with temporary managers at the heart of it. What led to this rapid change is the nature of the current market place.

    The current marketplace is changing quickly. In 2020, the global pandemic that changed life as we know it had a serious effect on businesses. However, companies have to embrace change and move quickly to avoid experiencing losses. But finding an experienced executive to tire down for the long run is becoming harder with each passing year.

    Besides, qualified managers are becoming scarce to find as many of these individuals are retiring every year. Not only that, but traditional recruitment methods are slow and have a high opportunity cost. As a result, many companies are looking for interim managers from third-party HR solution firms such as Flexi Personnel, who can quickly churn out a high calibre executive in a short time.

    Benefits of hiring an interim manager for your company
    5 benefits of hiring an interim manager

    Benefits of Hiring an Interim Manager for Your Company

    There are a ton of benefits that a company can realize by hiring a provisional manager. The following are some of the pros/advantages you can expect from hiring an interim manager.

    1. They Can Quickly Turn Around a Business from a Bad Situation

    The main purpose behind the entire concept of a provisional manager is to quickly turn around a business from a ‘bad’ situation into a more favourable one. The business environment is prone to adverse conditions, also known as crises.

    A business crisis is an event or factor that disrupts a given firm’s operation, putting it at significant risk of turmoil. Such crises often occur suddenly, putting the entire organization in jeopardy. They include the abrupt loss of an executive, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and an outbreak of a disease.

    The nature of a business crisis demands that decisions and actions have to be taken quickly. What makes temporary executives beneficial in such situations is that they have track records of performing and delivering results in similar roles. As a result, they can quickly turn around an unfavourable situation to one that is in line with organizational goals.

    What’s even better about acting executives is that they are immediately operational. Depending on the project, they might take a few weeks or days to get settled and assess the situation. After that, they quickly hit the ground running and make recommendations as they implement them, swiftly turning around the situation.

       2.  To Provide Stability and Productivity During Change/Transition

    Another critical role of a temporary director is to provide stability during transition periods or change within an organization. According to a report by Harvard, an executive’s departure proves to be disastrous for the organization, especially the employees. Additionally, it creates a ripple effect within the organization, affecting the overall morale of the employees, which in turn lowers their productivity.

    What an interim manager’s role in the corporation is to bring about stability, which in turn improves the productivity of the employees. As they are leaders, they bring with them an enormous wealth of experience and resources necessary for ‘calming down’ employees.

    In addition, research has shown that acting executives are able to connect with the current staff effectively. They fit seamlessly and have excellent social skills, and their presence can hardly impact the existing staff.

        3. Interim Managers Have Great Project Management Skills

    A provisional manager is not only good for filling an executive position but also for managing existing/future projects. Businesses worldwide engage in many projects with hopes of making them profitable. Because of their particular skill set and experience, temporary managers are also great at implementing such projects.

    Project management is defined as the application of various techniques, processes, experience, and knowledge to accomplish specific project goals and objectives. A provisional director’s competencies exceed turnaround management as they are also capable of delivering project results.

    Among the various projects a temporary executive is capable of delivering include;

    • Strategy implementation
    • Relocation of a company’s factory
    • A start-up project
    • Closing down of a branch or division
    • Downsizing or restructuring
    • Incorporation of new activities

    With 55% of all short-term managers taking on C-level assignments, it would be best for an organization to consider employing a candidate with a proven track record to help with project management.

        4.  Interim Managers are Cost-Effective

    Compared to the permanent C level individuals of an organization, acting managers are cost-effective. Interim executives only get paid for the days they work. Here, all the invoices are based on the fee per day spent working on the assignment.

    Some firms work up to other extras like daily travel allowances and accommodation while others don’t. For instance, it is common for companies to discuss performance-related bonuses when recruiting interim managers. As a result, there aren’t many (if any at all) additional costs.

    On the other hand, a permanent senior’s invoice takes into account the salary, social security, bonuses, medical covers, holidays, insurance, allowances, lay-off costs, securities/ stock options, among many other benefits. For such reasons, it is fair to say that the cost of a provisional manager compares favorably. Especially on a day-to-day basis.

       5. They Offer Fresh Perspectives to Help with Strategic Operations

    Since short-term managers are not considered part of a company’s long-term strategies and objectives, they are unburdened by its ‘politics’ and culture. As a result, they are able to work freely without having to worry about such influences. This gives them the room to focus on what’s best for the business.

    Provisional managers come into the business with fresh perspectives, facilitating meaningful discussions with stakeholders. As a result, they help sort out any barriers that affect project implementation.

    Should You Hire an Interim Manager?

    There are a number of situations that will ultimately influence your decision to search for an interim executive manager. Besides, they have a ton of perks that your company could profit from. However, you should strongly consider hiring an interim manager when;

    • You need to fill a managerial role temporarily quickly
    • You are going through a transformation or a transitory business period
    • A project is failing, and you need to get it moving in the right direction
    • Starting a new project
    • You require a specific set of skills for starting a new project or continuing the existing one
    • You are going through an acquisition, mergers, or partnership

    In Conclusion

    The business landscape is continuously changing, with the COVID-19 in 2020 instilling hard lessons to most business owners worldwide. Whenever there is a need to instigate new strategies, turn things around, or fill a gap recently vacated, it would be best to consider hiring an interim executive.

    The success of your business is dependent on your ability to secure an interim with a near-perfect understanding of your assignment’s requirements. You could decide to outsource for the ideal candidate yourself. However, the process is long and frustrating as it could take up to six months just to find one. And remember, time is of the essence. Many companies choose to seek the help of a third-party interim agency to aid in their search for the ideal candidate.

    Are you looking for an interim manager? Flexi Personnel is one of Africa’s finest HR solutions firm with a proven track record of delivering high-caliber  interim executives to organizations worldwide. With over 12 years’ experience in providing professional recruitment and employment solutions, you are guaranteed to secure management solutions.

    In addition, Flexi Personnel has worked with major brands from all over the world which are looking to establish their presence in African countries such as Kenya and Rwanda. Over the years, we have established an immense database featuring top-level talent. All of whom have undergone vetting to ensure we maintain high standards.

    Our vast talent pool means that you will have an enormous portfolio of high calibre candidates to choose from. Get in touch with us today at Flexi Personnel for this and more HR management solutions to help you achieve your goals.