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1. Make a strong first impression
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Some companies will have prepared your arrival carefully, while others may expect you to dive straight in. Take initiative to create clarity about the scope of your assignment and mutual expectations. Be clear about your areas of expertise so that you are assigned work that matches your experience.
2. Ask questions and make an action plan
Clients expect you to become operational quickly. Use the first weeks to learn as much as possible and don’t hesitate to ask questions. This will be perceived as genuine engagement, not as a weakness. Record the actions you plan to take in the first period in an action plan.
3. Show interest in the company
The best interim managers are hardly seen as external consultants. They show a real interest in the company’s activities and organisation, and they take the time to understand the industry. Enthusiasm and curiosity are highly appreciated.
4. Build relationships
Engaging with your key stakeholders is crucial. Ask early on who they are and make sure you are introduced. Make yourself visible, schedule touchpoints, and occasionally join informal moments such as a lunch or company event. Strong integration within the team and company may also open doors for future projects.
5. Be transparent about your availability
As an interim manager, you often combine assignments with other activities. Clients value clarity about your availability. If possible, share your calendar and work with fixed (full or half) days, especially if you work part-time. Always communicate deviations in advance and be realistic about what is feasible. Clients may also expect you to remain reachable for additional alignment when needed.
6. Share your expertise and experience
Proactivity is valued. Your main task is to deliver on your assignment, but you can add significant value by sharing your broader knowledge and experience. Examples include preparing useful templates, suggesting digital tools for more efficient document management, or advising on the structure of the legal, HR or compliance department. Always remain mindful of the existing company culture and follow internal ways of working, even if you have different preferences.
7. Demonstrate flexibility
Think along with your client’s needs – without overstepping your own boundaries.
8. Limit personal phone use
It may seem obvious, yet many interim managers lose credibility here: frequent personal smartphone use during office hours leaves a poor impression. Keep private calls outside of working time or schedule them during lunch breaks.
9. Ask for and provide feedback
Plan an early feedback session with your client to adjust if necessary. In addition, we as your intermediary also maintain regular contact with both you and the client. We discuss not only successes but also areas for growth, so you can demonstrate that you take client suggestions seriously.
10. Aim for a positive recommendation
The ultimate goal of every project is clear: to complete the assignment with a positive client recommendation. This strengthens your professional reputation and opens the door to new opportunities. Extension(s) of your project do not automatically imply a positive recommendation
Conclusion
A smooth onboarding and a proactive attitude throughout your project make the difference between a standard delivery and an excellent one. By applying these tips, you increase your chances of success – and of building long-term collaborations based on trust and strong recommendations.
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