Why would a seasoned executive want to take on an "interim" position?
Ashton Tweed recently talked with Rick Lemak, a seasoned executive in Business Development. Rick was formerly with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., where he led a global cross-functional team that increased Asian sales by 17% from existing and new applications. Rick has been doing interim assignments for several years.
According to Rick, it started out as a a way to keep his options open! But now he says, "It's refreshing! My background is a mix of technical AND commercial capabilities. Interim assignments give me an opportunity to get involved in many different kinds of work."
Interim assignments for Rick have included developing customer service offerings, a distributor sales channel strategy, short term technical projects, and helping companies through the transition of acquisitioning and restructuring. These are just a few of the types of positions open on an interim basis.
It does takes a certain kind of personality to survive and be effective as an interim executive. "An Interim Exec," says Rick, "can have more influence than a consultant, but has to work harder than internal person." Rick lists what he calls the "4 Skills for Success as an Interim Exec."
- Relationship skills. You'll need to be able to build working relationship with new people fast.
- Capability and knowledge that the company requires.
- The ability to "read" a situation -- the dynamics and culture of a company, the relationships between the people, and the politics.
- The ability to sell your capabilities and your ideas.
The downside of working as an interim executive includes having the responsibility for your own benefits, the insecurity of a "permanent" position, and the need for flexibility in meeting shifting assignments. Ashton Tweed is developing its Associates Program to help executives working in interim positions deal with these issues.
Rick's contact information is available on the Associates Program page under profiles.
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