skip to Main Content

3 mistakes every interim makes

Resilience, leadership and curiosity are all key ingredients to being a successful interim manager – but having the right characteristics doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe from making one of these common mistakes…

Carry on reading to find out more about three mistakes all interims make and how to avoid them. 

1. Not setting clear objectives 

Having clear cut goals from the get-go is essential to being a successful interim manager. These should be agreed on by your employer so that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. Those who go in without a detailed plan are setting themselves up for failure, so make sure you are transparent about how you’re going to get the company from A to B and be realistic about the timeframe. This way, no one ends up disappointed when things don’t materialise in the way they were supposed to. 

Top tip: always overestimate how long a project will take to complete so that you have more time if any hurdles arise. If you finish before the deadline then great – you just look extra efficient! 

2. Poor communication 

Praise your team, share your thought processes and ask your colleagues if they need support. Without this communication, people end up getting their wires crossed and ultimately, things end up getting delayed. Be clear and coherent about your expectations throughout, and make sure everyone, from managers to stakeholders, are in the know. 

3. Lack of rapport 

Regardless of being an interim, it’s still important to get to know your team. Make an effort and build rapport with your colleagues from day one if you want to make progress with the project and gain their respect. If you’re unapproachable as a manager then don’t expect to be going anywhere fast! 

Developing strong professional relationships with your team and providing individual feedback will help motivate your team and make them feel more valued. 

Thinking of becoming an interim manager? We have plenty of exciting opportunities available across the public sector – just get in touch on 0203 929 4000 to find out more!

Back To Top