3 Responses

1. Why better?
   Sarah

   I am an interim myself. The question of which is better is not a valid one.

   I have hired interims and consultants, and have worked alongside consultants in projects.

   Both types have their strengths. Consultants are usually hired to develop ideas and bring in new expertise. You are hiring intellectual capability. An interim is usually hired to manage change. You are hiring an experienced manager, and good managers manage change.

   Hire the wrong type for the right job, and you will have a bad experience.

   I hope that others will share good experiences of using both types (not just the bad ones?)

2. popular debate
   Hi Paul,

   Thanks for your comment. I’m interested to know what members think of this debate as many websites offering the services of interim managers provide a list of differences between interims and consultants. For example, Executives Online says “Unlike consultants, interim managers are implementers as well as being strategists, analysts and planners” – I’d like to know what individuals with experiences of these roles think. Tell me your happy stories too!

   Best,
   Sarah
   Sarah Fletcher, Staff Writer, HR Zone and TrainingZONE

3. Why better indeed?
   Well said Paul. I carry out both consultancy and interim roles in senior HR and CEO positions. I do describe myself as a business partner whatever label I am given, but I know the word ‘consultant’can carry unfortunate connotations!