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You’ve done everything right—or so you thought. You hired an interim manager with an impressive resume, stellar recommendations, and top-notch skills. But a few months in, nothing miraculous has occurred. The results you expected just haven’t materialised. What went wrong?

The truth is, when it comes to interim management, it’s not about magic or miracles. It’s about alignment, understanding the company’s real needs, and finding the right fit for the specific challenges you’re facing.

The Key Question: What Do You Really Need?

One common mistake many clients make is approaching the search for an interim manager the same way they would when hiring a permanent executive. The mindset tends to focus on finding the right person based on long-term leadership qualities rather than addressing the specific issues at hand.

The critical difference lies in the questions you ask during the search process:

• For permanent roles: You ask, “Who do we need?”
• For interim roles: The more relevant questions are, “What do we need? What must change? What is the desired outcome?”

Why Understanding the Scope is Crucial

Hiring an interim manager isn’t about just filling a role—it’s about bringing in someone who can produce specific results within a set period. This is where many companies struggle, especially if they’re unclear about what they really need.

For example, if the project requires restructuring, hiring someone with deep knowledge of operations may not yield the results you’re hoping for. 

Similarly, if the goal is to implement a new process, but the company culture is resistant to change, the interim manager needs to have expertise in change management.

How to Ensure Success with Your Interim Manager

To make sure you’re getting the most out of your interim manager, keep these points in mind:

a) Be Clear About Your Needs: Before even starting the search, ask yourself and your leadership team what specific outcomes you want the interim manager to achieve.

b) Communicate Openly: Misalignment happens when there’s a lack of clear communication. Be upfront about the company’s challenges, goals, and any obstacles that might arise.

c) Be Open to Adjustments: Sometimes, what you think you need isn’t what will actually solve the problem. A good interim provider will help you refine your project scope and find the best match for your real needs.

Final Thoughts: No Magic, Just Strategy

Hiring an interim manager is not about finding someone to pull off miracles. It’s about finding the right fit to achieve your specific goals. The more aligned your expectations are with the project’s needs, the more successful the outcome will be.

Looking for your next interim management assignment? Upload your CV on our website to get matched with the perfect project or explore articles tailored for interim managers.