Successful interim project professionals have many qualities in common. They are often masters of several disciplines and can wear many hats. They are able to quickly adapt to new environments and get up to speed on new projects. They possess strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. And they are able to manage their time effectively and stay organized under pressure.
But what sets successful interim project professionals apart from the rest? Here are ten qualities that set them apart:
1. Successful Interim Project Professionals are adaptable.
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, being able to adapt is key to success. Successful interim project professionals are able to quickly adapt to new environments, processes, and technologies. They are also comfortable working in a variety of industries and with different teams.
For instance, when an interim project professional is brought onto a new team, they are able to quickly learn the team’s processes and workflows. They are also able to adapt their own methods to fit the team’s needs.
Here’s how you can become more adaptable:
- Be open to change. When something new is introduced, don’t be afraid to try it out.
- Be flexible. Don’t be set in your ways. Be willing to adjust your methods as needed.
- Be resourceful. When you’re faced with a challenge, think outside the box to come up with a solution.
2. They are communicators.
Successful interim project professionals know how to communicate effectively. They possess strong written and verbal communication skills. They are also able to listen attentively and understand others’ points of view.
Furthermore, successful interim project professionals know how to tailor their communication style to their audience. They are able to adjust their tone and delivery based on who they are speaking to.
For instance, when communicating with a client, an interim project professional would use clear and concise language. They would also make sure to explain any technical terms or jargon.
On the other hand, when communicating with team members, an interim project professional would be more informal. They would use language that is easy to understand and avoid jargon.
Here’s how you can improve your communication skills:
- Be clear and concise. When writing or speaking, use simple, straightforward language.
- Avoid jargon. Use terms that everyone can understand.
- Listen attentively. When someone is speaking, make sure to give them your full attention.
3. They are problem-solvers.
Successful interim project professionals are great at solving problems. They are able to quickly identify issues and come up with creative solutions.
Moreover, successful interim project professionals know how to take a step back and look at the big picture. They are able to see problems from different perspectives and find the root cause of an issue.
Imagine you’re working on a project and you run into a problem. A successful interim project professional would take the following steps:
- First, they would identify the problem and all of its potential causes.
- Next, they would come up with several possible solutions.
- Then, they would evaluate each solution and choose the best one.
- Finally, they would implement the solution and track its results.
Here’s how you can become a better problem-solver:
- Be proactive. Don’t wait for problems to arise. Look for ways to prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Think outside the box. When you’re faced with a problem, don’t be afraid to think outside the box to come up with a solution.
- Be resourceful. When you’re faced with a challenge, use the resources at your disposal to find a solution.
4. They are organized.
When an interim professional comes on board, they are there to help get the project back on track. This means that they need to be organized in order to ensure that the project is completed successfully and on time.
An organized interim professional will have a plan of attack for the project. They will know what and when it needs to be done. This will allow them to keep the project on track and ensure that it is completed successfully.
To be an organized interim professional, you need to be able to prioritize your tasks. This means prioritizing tasks and responsibilities. Try using project management software and/oor keeping a detailed project journal.
5. Successful Interim Project Professionals are detail-oriented.
At work, we often talk about the importance of small details. This is especially true when it comes to interim project professionals.
A successful interim professional will pay attention to the small details of the project. They will make sure that everything is accounted for and that nothing is overlooked. This attention to detail will help to ensure the success of the project.
Suppose, for example, that you are working on a project to renovate a building. An interim professional would pay attention to the details of the renovation, such as the type of paint to be used, the size of the rooms, and the layout of the building.
This attention to detail ensures that the final product meets the expectations of the client.
6. They have a positive attitude.
In any job, it is important to have a positive attitude. This is especially true for interim project professionals. A positive attitude can make all the difference in the success of a project.
An interim professional with a positive attitude will be able to see the potential in every situation. They will be able to find ways to overcome challenges and obstacles. This positive attitude will help to motivate the team and keep the project on track.
7. They are self-motivated.
Self-motivation is a key quality of successful interim project professionals. A self-motivated individual is able to work independently and is not afraid of taking on new challenges.
A self-motivated interim professional will be able to take initiative and get the project done. They will be able to work without constant supervision and will be able to take on new tasks as they arise. This self-motivation is essential for the success of the project.
Imagine having to work on a project with someone who is always needing to be reminded to do their work. This would be very frustrating and would likely lead to delays in the project. A self-motivated individual, on the other hand, would be able to work independently and get the job done.
8. They are team players.
During their career, interim project professionals will work with a variety of teams. These teams may be diverse in nature, with members coming from different backgrounds and cultures. An effective interim project professional is someone who is able to adapt to these different team dynamics and still be an effective team player.
For instance, an interim project professional who is working on an international project may need to adjust their communication style to better suit the team they are working with. An effective team player is also someone who is able to take direction from others and work collaboratively towards a common goal.
Here’s how you be a team player on your next project:
- Clearly communicate your goals and objectives to the team.
- Be open to input from others and be willing to compromise when necessary.
- Respect the expertise of others on the team and value their contributions.
- Encourage a healthy debate among team members in order to foster creative solutions.
- Be a positive force on the team, even during challenging times.
9. They are leaders.
An effective interim project professional is someone who can step up and take charge when needed. This may mean taking on a leadership role within the project team, or it could simply mean being the one to make decisions when there is no clear leader. In either case, an interim project professional needs to be able to take charge and provide direction when needed.
Here are some tips for being an effective leader:
- Be decisive and make decisions in a timely manner.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with your team.
- Set an example for others to follow.
- Create a vision for the project and rally the team around it.
- Encourage and motivate others to do their best work.
10. Successful Interim Project Professionals leave a good legacy.
Since an interim professional is brought in to provide short-term relief for an organization, it’s essential that they leave the company in a better state than when they arrived. This could mean training staff members on new processes, conducting a post-mortem analysis of the project, or writing a report detailing their findings and recommendations. Regardless of the deliverables, an interim professional is focused on the long-term goal of helping the company improve.
To ensure that you leave a positive legacy, keep the following in mind:
- The company’s needs come first. Your personal goals should always be secondary to the company’s objectives.
- Focus on making improvements rather than simply completing the project.
- Think about the future and how your work will impact the company long after you’re gone.
Conclusion
While an interim professional is brought in for a short period of time, their impact can be long lasting. By following these tips an interim professional’s time with the company can be positive and productive.
An interim professional is a great asset to any organization. If you are considering becoming an interim professional, or if you are already working as one, keep the above qualities in mind. By possessing these qualities, you can set yourself up for success and make a positive impact on the organizations you work with in the future.
Also read: Best Practices for Hiring High-Performance Remote Employees
