When a business faces uncertainty, every decision becomes more arduous, and there is increased scrutiny on leaders in the business. Everyone looks for signs of direction, and during those times, the interim you appoint can completely transform the atmosphere of the organisation. Some of them just fill a gap, while the exceptional ones enhance the business, stabilise the mood, and help people move ahead with assurance.
A 2025 survey by the Institute of Interim Management shows that 37% of assignments for interim executives were in change or transformation management, and only 7% were for filling gaps.
Five qualities differentiate them from the moment they step in.
Instilling a sense of calm in a disordered situation
The best interims have a presence that settles people almost instantly. They listen first, act with composure, and restore a sense of order and control to the situation. You can sense a shift in the room – the tension eases, and the team exhales.
Research shows that turnaround and crisis management are among the most high-profile contributions made by interim executives, especially when time is of the essence and business viability risk is critical. They help restore stability and calm by fostering a positive working environment, guiding the organisation through crisis, and reshaping how its people respond.
Decisive and prompt action that is unambiguous
While interims must move fast to complete their objectives, they don’t have the luxury of long introductions to the organisation. They step in, watch, ask a few questions, and in no time, have a clear picture of the situation. They identify the priorities and filter out the noise. This sort of clarity is vital to guard the organisation’s objectives when time is of the essence.
Pressure Creates Credibility
Great interims have dealt with pressures such as Reconstruction, Accelerated Scaling, Operational Turbulence, Market Disruptions. They identify countermeasures and understand risk. They put that experience to work with credibility and composure that the developing organisation can absorb.
Warm Discomfort
A solid interim will do the uncomfortable but necessary advocacy. They do so in the positive spirit of closing distance. They humanise advocacy and counter fear.
Rapid Trust
Time is diminished. The best interims do not spend time on the location and sentiment of their criticisms. They settle on the challenges at hand to make assessment to their work. Trust that is accelerated is momentum that is timely.
Novo Culmination
As Novo shows, while the right interim leader is in place, the organisation’s energy can change positively in days. They unblock optimism, remove confusion and take over in leadership with composure through turbulent times guidance. If you wish to consider the right interim offering, please reach out to us at Novo and we will provide our observation and the right insights.
