Benefits of Interim Leadership
by Chris Sloan, ALM – Operations Specialist, AZ
Does hiring new leadership for your organization seem daunting? Have the last few leadership hires been quick hires, only to turn out not be a good fit for your organization, leaving you to start the process all over again? What if you had another option? What if you could tap into a seasoned leader, to allow you the time to vet the perfect fit, to end the revolving cycle? Let’s look at a few benefits of hiring an interim leader.
Boost Morale: Interim leadership has been known to improve staff morale. The interim leader can provide fresh perspective to the team, which can lead to inspiring creative solutions and foster collaboration. The interim can offer the team support during an otherwise difficult transition. All while offering a non-bias objective to the areas where improvement is needed. Identifying and supporting these improvements help motivate the team, boosting morale.
Reduce Turn-Over and Burnout: With a leadership position vacant, inevitably the duties would be distributed to the team members that are still employed. The additional responsibility and time that the remaining staff will incur can cause dissatisfaction and burn out among the team. This extra stress on the remaining team members can lead to more resignations. Having an interim leader added to this mix can offer the team support and take the burden off the current team members.
Less Pressure on Hiring Managers: A bad hire can take up to 24 months to rectify the damage. Costing upwards of 30 times the person’s salary. With an Interim leader in place, the hiring team can take the time to hire and vet the right person. Pressure is relieved by knowing there is a qualified leader at the helm, with no strings attached, as the interim leader came into the position knowing there will be an end date once the team finds the perfect fit.
Business as Usual: An interim leader can help address the day-to-day concerns and obstacles. While providing the steadiness and calm that is needed for a smooth transition. The interim can provide guidance and support while staying within budget. Delivering the best outcome for all involved.
Smooth Transition: A leadership transition can be a turbulent time in any organization. Interim leadership can help ensure the operations are running smoothly during the search for a permanent leader; that will be the right fit for the organization. Once a permanent leader has been found, the interim can provide a wealth of knowledge to the incoming leader. Thus, setting up the permanent leader and the organization for success.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Interim Leadership
There are many ways your organization can benefit from interim leadership. Such as improving team morale, reducing burn-out and turnover, relieving pressure on your hiring team, continuing with business as usual, as well as creating the opportunity for a smooth transition during an otherwise turbulent time.
To receive the highest ROI from this strategy, it is imperative to define your organization’s needs and identify the areas that can benefit the most from this role, while providing you the time to select the best permanent leader for your team.