The New Sheriff in Town: The Unique Role of an Interim Manager: Part 1

Several companies specialize in providing interim healthcare managers. These companies can be found through an Internet search. Your professional organization or network may also be able to provide you with leads. In addition, some consulting firms retain interim managers either as employees or as independent contractors to be used as the need arises. Finally, some executive search firms that primarily focus on permanent placements may occasionally be asked by a client to provide an interim manager during the search for a permanent replacement.

Interim managers can be either salaried employees or work as independent contractors at a daily rate. Living expenses and travel arrangements are negotiable and typically include reasonable allowances for meals, a place to stay, car rentals and airfare. If you serve as an independent contractor you will be responsible for providing your own personal insurance coverage. Before you begin an engagement it is essential to have a written agreement with the client or firm that retains you. Interim assignments are intended to be flexible for the client, and can end suddenly and unexpectedly. I recommend that the documented agreement with the client include at least a 30-day notice by either party.

Assessing the client
You are taking a professional risk when taking on an interim assignment because you can never know exactly what you are getting into. You should enter into an assignment as well informed as discretion permits. Have your questions ready and insist on answers from the client. This includes knowing the circumstances of your predecessor's leaving. Obtain as much information as possible about the client and their needs. Interim assignments are often offered with short notice, so you may not have much time to complete your due diligence. Try not to settle for the standard public relations package or a visit to the company Web site.

When working for an interim management company, you will probably report to a project leader who will serve as your initial resource for your assessment. The project manager may have already done an assessment or had one done by another member of the company. These assessments are usually very helpful in the short term. But in a complex and dynamic environment like a hospital, initial written assessments risk being incomplete and become out-of-date quickly. As an experienced professional you have a duty to yourself and the client to do your own due diligence.