Interim management means bringing in an experienced leader (an ‘interim manager’) for a temporary period. The interim manager typically has specialist expertise in change processes, crisis management or digital transformation and takes full responsibility for the leadership role during the agreed period.
An interim manager is worth considering if the business is facing:
Sudden leadership departures
Major change or restructuring
Crises or demanding situations
Rapid growth or scaling up
Digital transformation and innovation processes
Read more about when to consider an interim manager here.
An interim manager leads actively and has formal leadership responsibility in the business. A consultant is usually an adviser with no direct decision-making authority or responsibility for operations.
Assignments usually last 6–18 months, but can be extended if needed. The length of the assignment depends on the complexity of the situation and the results the business wants to achieve.
The most effective way to find an interim manager in Norway is through specialist agencies such as Agile Interim, which have a broad network of experienced leaders ready to step in anywhere in the country. Agile Interim has offices in Oslo, Bergen and Telemark.
The price varies with the complexity of the assignment, the leader’s experience and the length of the assignment. Interim managers are typically invoiced per month or per day. Compared with permanent appointments, interim management can often be cost-effective, particularly in demanding or time-limited situations.
Yes, it is very common to bring in an interim CEO, especially when a company needs stability and leadership quickly. Interim managers often step in at short notice and give the business the expertise and confidence it needs.
Businesses choose interim managers because they offer:
Immediate access to heavyweight leadership expertise
Flexibility and the ability to respond quickly to market needs
Cost-effective handling of crises or change projects
Fresh and objective insight into the organisation
Yes, interim managers often have specialist expertise in digital transformation and innovation. They help businesses implement the necessary changes quickly and effectively, and lay the foundations for long-term competitiveness.
To succeed with interim management, it is important to:
Have clear goals and expectations before the assignment starts
Choose an interim manager who matches the needs of the business
Give the interim manager the mandate and support needed to implement measures quickly
Maintain open and clear communication throughout the process
Have a clear strategy for the transition to a permanent solution
A skilled interim manager is characterised by:
Experience of demanding leadership assignments and crisis management
The ability to make decisions quickly and communicate clearly
Flexibility and the ability to adapt to the organisation quickly
A good understanding of both strategic and operational challenges
The ability to build trust in a short time
For a successful transition, it is important to:
Document the results achieved and the choices made clearly
Ensure good knowledge transfer from the interim manager to the permanent leader
Communicate clearly with employees about the plan going forward
Evaluate the interim period and carry the lessons into future processes
Typical mistakes businesses should avoid:
Poorly defined goals and expectations
Bringing in interim expertise too late
A lack of internal communication about the interim manager’s role
Not giving the interim manager a sufficient mandate to bring about change
Agile Interim helps you find an experienced interim manager tailored to your needs – whether you are based in Oslo, Bergen, Telemark, Stavanger, Trondheim or elsewhere in Norway.
Contact us for a no-obligation conversation.