Pitfalls when hiring a Temporary/Interim manager

Pitfalls When Hiring a Temporary Manager

When it comes to managing a business, there may be times when you need to bring in a temporary manager to fill a crucial role. Whether it's due to a sudden departure, a special project, or a period of extended leave, hiring a temporary manager can provide the support and expertise your business needs. However, it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls that can arise during this process.

Lack of Familiarity with Company Culture

One of the main challenges when hiring a temporary manager is ensuring they understand and align with your company culture. Since they are not part of your organization on a permanent basis, they may struggle to fully grasp the nuances and values that drive your business. This can lead to a disconnect between the temporary manager and your team, resulting in inefficiencies and potential conflicts.

Insufficient Time for Onboarding

Another pitfall is the limited time available for onboarding a temporary manager. Unlike a permanent hire, who has the luxury of a longer onboarding process, a temporary manager needs to quickly adapt to the role and hit the ground running. This can be challenging, especially if they are unfamiliar with your industry or specific business practices.

Having a professional onboarding flow for such situation would be ideal, though not always doable. Best bet is to make sure you hire a temporary manager that scores high on flexibility, adaptability, resilience, independence and stress tolerance. 

Difficulty in Building Trust and Rapport

Trust and rapport are crucial for effective leadership. However, building these relationships takes time, and temporary managers may struggle to establish the same level of trust as a long-term employee. This can impact their ability to motivate and inspire your team, ultimately affecting productivity and morale. A successful Temporary Manager is one whom balances well between empathy, interpersonal relationship and independance. A TM needs the ability to connect, but needs to understand that it is often a lonely job at the same time. 

Limited Knowledge of Company Systems and Processes

Every business has its own unique systems and processes in place. Temporary managers may not have the same level of familiarity with these systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and mistakes. It's important to provide comprehensive training and support to ensure they can navigate your company's infrastructure effectively.

Difficulty in Implementing Long-Term Strategies

Temporary managers are often brought in to address short-term needs or specific projects. However, if your business requires someone to drive long-term strategies and initiatives, a temporary manager may struggle to make a lasting impact. Their limited tenure can hinder their ability to implement meaningful changes and establish a long-term vision.

Communication and Coordination Challenges

Effective communication and coordination are essential for successful management. However, temporary managers may face challenges in this area, particularly if they are not familiar with your team's dynamics or communication channels. It's important to provide clear guidelines and facilitate open lines of communication to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Resistance to Temporary Leadership

Some employees may resist or feel skeptical about temporary leadership. They may question the authority and expertise of a temporary manager, which can create tension within your team. It's crucial to address these concerns promptly and communicate the value that a temporary manager brings to the organization.

Difficulty in Maintaining Consistency

Consistency is key to a well-functioning business. However, with temporary managers rotating in and out, maintaining consistent leadership and decision-making can be a challenge. This can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of operations.

High Turnover of Temporary Managers

Finally, the turnover of temporary managers can become a pitfall in itself. Constantly bringing in new managers can be disruptive and demotivating for your team. It's important to carefully consider the need for a temporary manager and strive for stability whenever possible.

While hiring a temporary manager can be a valuable solution for your business, it's essential to be aware of these potential pitfalls and take proactive steps to mitigate them. By addressing these challenges head-on, you can ensure a smoother transition and maximize the effectiveness of your temporary manager.

Contact Mentorprise for more info about our Bridge Management solutions, in which we focus on the transitional challenges our clients face. More info: https://mentorprise.be/Bridge-Management/