What are the 7 habits of highly effective interims?  Today, we're diving deep into the very DNA of what makes an interim truly effective.   We're talking about the unspoken, the invaluable, those habits that truly set apart the highly effective among us.

I am very pleased today to be in conversation with Ben Cowan.  Ben is Head of Practice for Business Transformation at Eton Bridge and has 2 decades of interim recruitment experience.  Eton Bridge is a leading interim management firm, head quartered in the UK and has made placements in 35 countries.  They are known for their people-first culture built on respect, care and building long-term relationships.

This podcast episode pays homage to Stephen Covey's seminal 1989 work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," a book that revolutionised self-help and business.  I’ve asked Ben to reflect on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Interims.

1. Character Traits: Effective interims are confident (not arrogant), impactful, proactive, likable, reliable, and dependable. These qualities are crucial for quickly integrating into new organizations and gaining trust. Ben emphasizes that these traits are rarely visible on a CV but are paramount in real-world interactions.
2. Communication: Clear and effective communication is vital. Interims must be able to put people at ease, reassure clients, and deliver messages effectively at all levels – from the C-suite to the "shop floor." Ben talks about the ability to storytell and paint a clear picture of change or difficult messages.
3. Skills and Experience: While not the only factor, being an expert in one's field and having a unique selling proposition (USP) is critical. The best interims are known for something specific ("what are you famous for?"). It's not just about having the skills, but how they are conveyed and the tangible results achieved (e.g., using "I owned," "I delivered" rather than "I was involved in").
4. Resilience: Interims often enter ambiguous and challenging situations where they are constantly being judged. Adaptability and resilience are key to navigating these environments, challenging the status quo, and accepting situations that may not be ideal. The ability to maintain an "inner strength" and stand behind one's professional opinion, even if it's not immediately accepted, is crucial. Being a problem-solver is also a significant aspect of resilience.
5. Outcomes and Results Focus: Highly effective interims are laser-focused on delivery and achieving strategic outcomes. They bring solutions, are decisive, and operate at pace, often needing to "break eggs to make an omelet" in order to achieve the desired results. Remaining calm under pressure is also linked to this habit.
6. Behaviour When Not in a Role: This habit focuses on how interims manage their time and relationships between assignments. It involves the "art" of gently prompting providers (e.g., quick texts, LinkedIn messages, occasional catch-ups) without being pushy or pestering. It also emphasizes patience, knowing one's worth, and not appearing desperate. Maintaining personal networks and avoiding one-sided relationships is also highlighted.
7. Sharpening Your Saw: The final habit is about continual learning, staying relevant, and evolving one's skillset. This includes staying at the forefront of industry trends, especially in technology, and actively engaging in thought leadership and peer conversations to keep fresh and adapt to the changing business landscape.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of The Interim.  Our purpose is to give you thoughts, feed your curiosity, and energise you for professional success.

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