How to explain in simple terms what an Interim Manager is

I was recently invited to give a short presentation (limited to 5 minutes) to explain the concept of interim management at the Actitudes 2.0 Ibero-American Seminar held in Valladolid, a forum attended by a very diverse group of professionals. It was quite a challenge, as I realised that very few people were even aware that Interim Managers existed.

But everyone is familiar with the hairdresser’s trade, which I used to construct a simple, light-hearted and, why not say it, even poetic metaphor.

It is well known that professional activity can be carried out in a handful of ways: broadly speaking, we can be technicians, trainers/educators and consultants. Any other models? Perhaps…

We all frequently find ourselves in the same situation:

I need a haircut… and I can’t do it myself:

I don’t know how to do it. I can’t see myself objectively, from a sufficient distance to get an overall view of the situation. I look in the mirror every day, so my view is biased and not very objective.

The solution I resort to is the usual one in these cases:

Hire a hairdresser

I don’t need a consultant: the decision to get my hair cut has already been made; I’m not considering other options and I need action, not advice.

I don’t need a trainer: I’m not interested in learning how to cut my own hair, as it seems like a poor investment for the return I’d get, even if I could cut the hair of all my friends and family.

No technician is required: I need a professional who can make strategic decisions (cut style, general technique, etc.) and tactical ones (tools to use, specific products, etc.) based on minimal initial instructions, without constantly consulting me.

The hairdresser is an ‘Interim Manager’:

• They carry out a decision that has already been made
• for as long as necessary
• making the most appropriate intermediate decisions (cutting, washing, colouring, shaving, filling in, concealing, etc.)
• has a plan for completion: once the hairdresser has finished their task, I can maintain my hair myself based on some basic instructions

And now the key question:

Which are you, a hairdresser or a client?

[BUTTON url="https://epunto.es/contacto/" text="ARE YOU A CLIENT?" side="right"] [BUTTON url="https://epunto.es/interim-managers/" text="ARE YOU A HAIRDRESSER?" side="right"]