Recently the manager magazin published an article about a study that shows that employees would be willing to pay a certain amount if it meant they could complete a project more quickly (link in the comments).
Managers can make targeted use of this desire to complete a task. But how can decision-makers in organizations satisfy this desire and what are the challenges?
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex business environment, the ability to successfully complete critical projects is a cornerstone of organizational success. However, achieving this objective often proves challenging. Projects of strategic importance frequently encounter unexpected obstacles, ranging from resource constraints and shifting market conditions to internal misalignments and leadership gaps.
For top managers, the stakes are high: incomplete or delayed projects can jeopardize market opportunities, undermine stakeholder confidence, and weaken competitive positioning. Against this backdrop, the strategic engagement of experienced senior interim managers emerges as a powerful solution for navigating complexity and ensuring project success.
The Difficulty of Completing Important Projects
The process of driving a major project from initiation to completion is fraught with challenges. Key among them is the inherent uncertainty associated with ambitious undertakings. Even with detailed planning, unforeseen developments can derail progress, whether due to technological disruptions, regulatory changes, or supply chain issues. Additionally, projects often span multiple departments or geographical regions, requiring seamless coordination across diverse teams. Miscommunication or competing priorities can further hinder progress.
Another common challenge lies in maintaining momentum. Over the lifespan of a project, organizational priorities may shift, causing resources to be reallocated or timelines extended. Furthermore, stakeholder expectations may evolve, introducing scope creep or shifting success metrics. Without strong leadership to mitigate these issues, projects risk stagnation or failure.
A particularly pressing issue is the shortage of qualified leadership during critical junctures. Organizations frequently lack internal capacity to dedicate senior-level expertise to high-stakes projects while managing day-to-day operations. This leadership void often leaves projects vulnerable to mismanagement, delays, and suboptimal outcomes.
The Importance of Completion
Successfully finishing key projects is not merely a measure of operational efficiency but a determinant of strategic impact. Projects that achieve their intended objectives deliver significant benefits, including competitive differentiation, revenue growth, and organizational innovation. Conversely, projects that falter represent sunk costs in terms of time, money, and morale.
Timely and effective completion also strengthens an organization’s reputation. Customers, partners, and investors are attuned to execution capability; delivering on promises enhances trust and credibility. Moreover, completing important projects creates a sense of achievement within the organization, boosting employee morale and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
In industries characterized by rapid change, the ability to finish projects is particularly critical. Being first to market with a new product, meeting regulatory compliance deadlines, or implementing cost-saving initiatives before competitors can confer significant advantages. For top managers, ensuring that pivotal projects are delivered on time and within scope is not just a tactical necessity but a strategic imperative.
The Case for Senior Interim Managers
Faced with the twin challenges of complexity and urgency, organizations increasingly turn to senior interim managers as a strategic resource. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience, specialized skills, and a results-oriented mindset to the table. By engaging interim managers for a defined period or task, organizations can address critical gaps while maintaining flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
A. Expertise and Agility: Senior interim managers are often overqualified for the roles they temporarily assume, which is a significant advantage in high-stakes scenarios. Their extensive experience enables them to quickly assess project dynamics, identify risks, and implement solutions. Unlike permanent hires, interim managers require minimal onboarding and can deliver immediate impact. Their external perspective also allows them to approach challenges with fresh insights, unencumbered by internal biases.
B. Focused Leadership: Interim managers are uniquely positioned to dedicate their full attention to the project at hand, free from the distractions of broader organizational responsibilities. This focus ensures that critical tasks receive the level of oversight and urgency they demand. By aligning teams, setting clear priorities, and maintaining accountability, interim leaders drive momentum and ensure that the project stays on track.
C. Bridging Leadership Gaps: In many cases, interim managers are brought in to fill a temporary leadership void. Whether due to a sudden departure, a period of transition, or the need for specialized expertise, these professionals provide stability and continuity. Their presence reassures stakeholders and ensures that the organization maintains its strategic direction during critical periods.
D. Delivering Results Without Long-Term Commitment: For organizations wary of long-term commitments, interim management offers a highly efficient model. Instead of navigating the complexities of a full-time hire, companies can access top-tier talent for a defined period. This approach is particularly advantageous for projects with finite durations or specific deliverables. Once the project is complete, the interim manager exits, leaving behind a legacy of success and valuable insights for future endeavors.
Conclusion
Completing critical projects is a formidable challenge, but one that is vital to organizational success. In an environment where complexity and urgency are the norm, top managers must equip their organizations with the tools and resources needed to execute effectively. Senior interim managers represent a compelling solution to this challenge. By bringing unparalleled expertise, focused leadership, and a commitment to results, they help organizations navigate obstacles and deliver on their most important priorities.
For top managers, the value proposition is clear. The strategic engagement of interim managers not only enhances the likelihood of project success but also allows organizations to remain agile, responsive, and forward-looking. In an era defined by constant change, the ability to finish what you start is a competitive advantage—and partnering with experienced interim managers can make all the difference.
The INTERIM-SHERPAS team is 100% specialized in staffing and successfully implementing interim management projects. From the first phone call to an inquiry to the last day of the project – always at your side.
Give us a call.
INTERIM-SHERPAS. We bring you there
▶ Feel free to comment on our post on LinkedIn
▶ Article in Manager Magazin
▶ Reachable at any time: Jan J. Lütje, Manuel Bongers, Arian Lischetzki, Erdwig Holste
