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

For many years I have belonged to a national network of healthcare executives. In recent years, after serving in 15 hospitals in nine states as an interim healthcare executive, I have become a "go-to" person within the network for people who are considering interim management work.

Nearly all managers who have called me seeking interim management were not currently working. Some are considering doing interim work temporarily as they search for a permanent position while others have chosen not to seek a permanent job because doing so would require them to relocate their families.

Interim management positions offer a "test drive" period for both you and the client hospital for potentially converting you to a permanent role. I recently learned from a company that provides interim healthcare managers that 31% of their interim placements converted to permanent employment in 2008. In 2009 the company's conversion rate was 45%. Another interim placement company that prefers to hire people who are only interested in interim assignments has a conversion rate less than 5%. Regardless of your decision, at the end of your interim assignments, you will have at least gained additional knowledge and skills for your next position, be it interim or permanent.

The interim manager's lifestyle
Whatever your reason for considering interim work, one of the first questions you need to address is the effect on your family and friends of your being absent from home one to two weeks at a time, possibly for several months. In addition, working away from home can be a lonely, trying experience. You will be among strangers in a new community and should expect to be treated as such. Don't expect to be invited into people's homes and churches, especially if you have not bought a house and moved your family.

Just finding your way around in a new town and hospital building is often time-consuming and annoying. Traveling home on weekends can be frustrating and exhausting. Obtaining suitable temporary quarters is an important priority no matter how busy your early days may be. You may find yourself doing your own cooking, housekeeping and travel arrangements. The appropriateness and costs of your accommodations should be based on the length of your assignment and be approved by your client.

Once settled, you run the risk of working, eating, and drinking too much while sleeping and exercising too little. Personal discipline and good time management are required to establish a healthy balance between your work and leisure time.

Finding interim work
The market for interim healthcare managers is growing, but the competition for interim work remains tough. There are many more people willing to take interim managerial positions than there are interim opportunities. Candidates with broad experience in several settings will be more attractive to prospective employers facing a temporary period of leadership transition. A progressive record of achievement within one organization can reflect this kind of experience and may fit a client hospital's needs. Consider rewriting your resume and cover letter before presenting yourself for interim work to highlight your adaptability and success in completing a variety of deliverables on time.

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.