7 Benefits of Using an Interim Leader

An interim leader, or interim executive, assumes a leadership position for a prescribed length of time. Like traditional leaders, interim leaders must craft a sustainable growth pattern for the organization during their shortened tenure. Their responsibilities can include overseeing operations, personnel management, preparing financial budgets, and driving the missions and focus of the organization. Interim leaders not only have the entire organization in mind as they work on initiatives or programs, they are also setting the stage for their successor.

In the healthcare market, having an interim leader provides companies with the following benefits:

1. Increased Morale

An interim leader can be a great asset to a team in terms of improving staff morale. They can bring a fresh perspective to the team, which can help inspire creative solutions to problems and foster collaboration. They can also provide support to team members during times of transition, helping to maintain morale during difficult changes. Additionally, interim leaders can provide an objective and impartial view of the team’s performance, helping the team to identify where improvements can be made and stay motivated to reach their goals.

2. Reduction of turnover and burnout

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many front-line healthcare workers battling burnout. And leaving a leadership role vacant for an extended time could force some of these employees to assume multiple roles, thereby increasing both burnout and resignations. Having a temporary leader can reassure staff and keep key players from departing. 

3. Less pressure on hiring managers

With an interim leader in place, hiring managers can take their time to find the right candidate. They relieve the pressure of needing to fill a vacancy because there is a qualified leader in place during the recruitment process.

According to a Scalewise article, “A bad hire can take 12-24 months to rectify and cost the company up to 27 times the person’s salary, but interim leaders join on a short-term basis with no strings attached.”

Hiring an interim leader also allows the organization to hire for the skills needed now while they take more time to find the right long-term person. 

4. More cost-effective

Hiring an interim leader can also be more cost-effective for organizations. The same Scalewise article states, “If an organization is looking for a cost vs. benefit ratio in utilizing interim management, consider the cost of tasks not being completed compared to maintaining a functional organizational structure.”

5. Business as usual

Higher leadership positions sometimes mean more stakeholders have a say in who occupies the position. An interim leader can keep the organization moving forward while allowing for longer hiring time. An interim leader addresses staff concerns, providing a steady hand during the transition. Interim leaders can also mentor and guide the remaining staff to increase employee satisfaction. In addition, temporary leaders can ensure that an organization has the necessary staff and equipment to deliver the best outcomes while remaining within budget.

6. New perspectives on common problems

Interim leaders bring a wealth of information and varied backgrounds to a position. Often, they have extensive work experience in a wide variety of facilities and can provide different strategies for common issues in the workplace. For issues in the workplace, bringing in a fresh set of eyes can bring a new perspective and insight to an organization and turn them into capacity-building opportunities.

7. Seamless Transition

Periods of leadership transition can be turbulent times for any organization. Interim leaders help to ensure that operations run smoothly during the search for a permanent leader.  And once that permanent leader is found, the interim will know enough about the role and organization to pass along their knowledge and perspective.

Interim healthcare leaders help ensure stability in organizations across the country. Whether you are selecting an interim leader for your hospital or senior living community, it allows your organization to tap into the talents of a seasoned healthcare professional. In addition, a temporary leader can help an organization maintain compliance, decrease turnover, boost morale, and solve old problems innovatively and cost-effectively.