A hospice agency can face any number of different business situations that could result in the need for an interim executive leader. These could be situations such as project management, crisis management, executive illness, sudden departure, transitions, as well as mergers and acquisitions. The functions of an interim manager are almost endless.

 

Interim leadership is the temporary provision of management resources and skills. It can be seen as a short-term assignment or a long-lasting relationship between the agency and the consultant. Your agency may have a need for which a permanent role is unnecessary. Locating and retaining hospice leaders is often difficult. Finding and vetting a suitable executive leader can take time.  More and more agencies are turning to outside contract executive leaders to fill the gaps.

 

An interim hospice executive (CEO, COO, VPO, DO, QA) might work for a short duration (weeks) or a few days per month on your assignment. Or your agency might need a preceptor, available to your Administrator/DON, for a long-term, infrequent assignment. Interim executives are experienced managers with specialist skills and a track record of achievement. They are hired by businesses on a project basis to solve problems. They can fill gaps or take on strategic roles.

 

The following factors are typical of the interim management proposition:

 

Return on investment. Interim leaders add value by using their skills and expertise to help deliver an outcome, solution, service or mitigate risk which provides meaningful return on investment. Interim managers are paid on the understanding of goals and objectives being performed and delivered, and not simply on the basis of attendance.

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Speed. Interim leaders can be in place within days as opposed to weeks or months, which is essential when time constraints are paramount. Being practiced in engaging promptly with any situation, they become effective quickly upon joining the agency.

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Expertise. Interim managers operate at a senior level in the organization. They bring skills and knowledge not otherwise in place, to address a specific gap or problem.

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Objectivity. Unencumbered by company politics or culture, interim managers provide a fresh perspective and are able to concentrate on what’s best for the agency. Being independent operators, they are able to contribute honestly.

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Accountability. Rather than taking a purely advisory role, interim managers take responsibility for and manage a business project in their own right. They expect to be held accountable for results.

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Effectiveness. Unlike a “temp,” an interim leader adds value to the agency as a result of their expertise and approach.

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Commitment. Interim managers maintain high professional standards because their business relies upon referrals and successful track records. They therefore have a stake in the success of the assignments they undertake.

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Knowledge transfer. Interim leaders transfer a large amount of skill and experience to your team which will remain long after they are gone.

 

When your agency experiences a need for an experienced project manager or temporary disruption in executive management, Hospice Advantage Solutions can support your organization with a professional, experienced hospice executive on an interim basis.