The Interim Leader: Organizational Considerations Before the Permanent Leader Arrives

Abstract

Organizations have situations in which there is unexpected change at the executive level when a leader departs, and provisional leadership is required. Interim executives serve organizations for brief periods of time, but often play a pivotal role in leading successful executive transitions, providing crucial leadership while organizations take time to assess and strategically prepare for new permanent leadership. The author served in an interim executive role and did a review of the limited existing literature to help prepare for that role. This heuristic reflection suggests some important considerations for an organization faced with the immediate need for a new leader and a call for more research.