Interim managers typically take over management functions as a “replacement” for non available executives. It is less well known that professional interim managers can also be used to
- create and manage a new business unit until the future head of that unit is found and successfully trained
- to revitalize a previously underdeveloped business unit or department or
- to restructure and manage such an area until the future leader is found
- to take the lead in a critical situation and bring the company or the area in trouble back to success; here, external executives can often impose unpopular but necessary measures and forego false consideration.
All the different tasks are always supported by the external perspective, the independence of internal networks and the experience of a professional interim manager, as well as by basic virtues such as leadership, quick comprehension, reliability, confidentiality, objectivity and the will to succeed. A weak point may be that the interim manager lacks knowledge of the industry and the market. This is of particular importance when the task is marketing and/or sales oriented. When it comes to a task in development or production, industry-specific know-how is also required.
For the sealants and adhesives industry an interim manager is required who is well versed in this business, brings his industry and market network and takes action immediately or after the shortest training period.