What’s the Difference Between an Interim Executive and a Consultant?

There is some overlap and one distinct difference between an interim executive and a management consultant. Let’s dive into the details.
First, the areas of overlap. Both consultants and senior-level interim executives:

• are outside experts brought in for a short period of time
• provide expert advice
• analyze existing organizational problems, and
• develop plans for improvement.

And now, the big difference: The interim executive will stick around to implement those plans.

Unlike a consulting firm that will hand you the plan and move on to their next assignment, the interim executive has skin in the game. A skilled operator with a track record of success, the interim executive will become a critical part of the management team, staying on the job for weeks, months, or even years, to see that the plan becomes reality.

Interim executives blend the skills of a seasoned executive with approaches often used by consultants. They drive strategy, develop plans and lead execution of major transformational initiatives, while serving as mentors and coaches to those around them. And, they are ultimately accountable to the organization for the results they deliver.

Execution

An important distinction between Interims and traditional consultants is the expectation of execution. As this UPS commercial mocking consultants says, “We don’t actually do what we propose, we just propose it.” Interims may propose but always do.

A hallmark of experienced Interims is the ability to solve challenges and present practical approaches based on their real-world experience solving similar problems for other companies. Interims develop strategies knowing that they will be leading the execution and be accountable for the results. The resulting action plan tends to be more grounded and robust than those developed by professionals who are not charged with execution.

Interims exhibit a bias towards action, focusing on speed over study. They have grown and built companies, led P&Ls, and understand the responsibility for making sure employees and vendors get paid now. While studies can provide valuable data to confirm key assumptions and understand complex situations, they can take extended periods of time.

Interims are charged with accomplishing much very quickly, as delay often exacerbates the issues being addressed, with a popular quote being “act quickly because most things are obvious.”