Disadvantages of using someone in your organization to run things temporarily

When nonprofits face leadership transitions, they often resort to using someone already involved with the organization, such as a staff or Board member, to run things temporarily. Here are the disadvantages of doing that:

Board member. Most volunteer Board members do not have experience as an executive director. When a Board member takes over the leadership role, they find that they do not know enough about the role of an executive director to do so effectively. This solution can also make it difficult for the Board member to step “back” into their Board member role once a permanent executive director is hired.

Existing staff member. Adding executive responsibilities to an existing workload frequently means neither job will be done well. It may also encourage expectations if the staff member is interested in the permanent position, creating tensions and even loss of valuable staff if they are not hired. In addition, the perception that there is an internal candidate with an “inside track” can limit the number of qualified candidates willing to apply for the position. 

It is for this reason too that the Interim Executive Network requires its member interim executives to pledge not to apply for the permanent position in any organization where they are serving as interim. 

So, what are the advantages of hiring an interim executive?

• An interim executive director can ensure that the opportunities and new ways of doing business that can emerge during a transition are identified, and leveraged. By taking a fresh look at the organization and, speaking truth to power, the interim can help the Board to make difficult and necessary changes before the permanent executive director arrives – essentially doing the hard work for them before they even walk in the door.
• Drawing on the experience of working with many different Boards and organizations and as a member of a network of professional interim executives, an interim executive director can suggest best practices for maximizing Board and organizational effectiveness.
• Boards often miss valuable growth opportunities when they rush to fill a vacant position. An interim executive director can provide time and opportunity to step away from the past, and reflect on the current and future needs of the organization.

If your nonprofit would like to get started to work with one of the interims from IEN, please contact us today.