Stop Waiting for the Perfect Fit: Why Interim Leadership Might Be the Smartest Move You Make This Year

Jeanmarie Loria & Dan Olson

Waiting six months for the “perfect hire” can cost more than just time—it can stall your momentum, derail projects, and deflate team morale. We believe there’s a smarter, faster solution: interim leadership. When you need impact now, interim managers can be the game-changing decision your organization didn’t know it needed.

Stop Waiting for the Perfect Fit

Waiting for the “perfect fit” can leave your organization in limbo, costing you time, money, and progress. Holding out for that unicorn hire often results in critical work stalling, energy dropping, and teams losing direction.

Bringing in an interim leader bridges the gap, giving you experienced, decisive management now—not six months from now. Interim leaders bring fresh perspectives, keep operations moving, tackle urgent priorities, identify inefficiencies, resolve long-term issues, and often uncover solutions no one saw coming—all while you continue the search for your long-term hire.

Don’t let the quest for perfect leave you stuck at zero.

Why Do You Need an Interim Manager?

Imagine this: your key director gives notice. Your team is at a critical inflection point—midway through a major project, merger, audit, or market shift. Suddenly, “business as usual” won’t cut it. You don’t have six months to launch and complete a leadership search. You need someone now.

Enter the interim manager.

Plan Ahead: Avoiding the Single Point of Failure

Whether due to extended leave or a permanent departure, employee absences are inevitable. One of the most important lessons we've learned is to avoid creating a “single point of failure.”

We recommend establishing a culture of documentation and preparedness, with regular updates. Here's what should be included:

• Location of key files and associated passwords

• Location of significant analytic code

• Outline of key processes

• Listing of upcoming deliverables and due dates

• Key reports and their deadlines

• Internal and external points of contact

This is not a one-time exercise. Set the expectation that this information is updated at least quarterly and stored in an accessible, centralized location such as a Teams channel or SharePoint site.

While this won’t eliminate risk, it will reduce disruption and help maintain exceptional service continuity.

What Is an Interim Manager—and Why Might You Need One?

Interim managers are fixers, strategists, and often the catalyst for successful transformation. Here's why you should consider one:

1. Leadership Gaps Are Costly

Vacant leadership roles can quickly derail teams, delay decisions, lead to missed deadlines, and lower morale. An interim leader steps in to keep things on track—ensuring projects, people, and performance stay aligned.

2. Specialized Skills, Just in Time

Need someone to guide your SIU through a compliance audit or manage a major tech upgrade? Interim leaders bring focused expertise you may not need long term, but absolutely need right now.

3. Fresh Perspective, New Solutions

Internal teams can become siloed or stuck in routine. Interim leaders challenge assumptions, uncover blind spots, and implement industry best practices.

4. Change Management Without Internal Politics

An interim leader can make difficult but necessary decisions, evaluate talent, and lead organizational change without being influenced by internal politics or legacy relationships.

5. A Bridge to the Right Long-Term Hire

Rushing to fill a senior role can lead to expensive missteps. An interim manager gives you the time to make the right choice. In many cases, your interim may become the right permanent hire—or offer recommendations from their professional network.

An interim manager creates momentum, drive progress, and bring clarity when your organization needs it most. Whether you're navigating a leadership gap, managing a transition, or preparing for growth, interim leadership might be the smartest move you make this year. Stop waiting for perfection. Get results now.