How to Work With Temporary Members of Your Leadership Team

EXPERT OPINION BY DAVID FINKEL, CO-AUTHOR OF 'SCALE: SEVEN PROVEN PRINCIPLES TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS AND GET YOUR LIFE BACK'@DAVIDFINKEL

In the ever-evolving landscape of business leadership, one approach gaining traction is the concept of temporary or trial-basis members in leadership teams.

While the traditional model typically consists of a stable, long-term leadership team, organizations are increasingly recognizing the benefits of experimenting with short-term additions to their leadership groups. This approach offers unique advantages and opportunities for growth, but it also presents its own set of challenges that leaders must navigate effectively. So today I wanted to go over what this concept would look like for your small to medium-size business. Let's dive right in!

The Rise of Temporary Leadership Team Members

The idea of incorporating temporary or trial-based members into leadership teams is rooted in the pursuit of agility, innovation, and adaptability. Businesses operating in today's fast-paced world often need fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, or short-term solutions to address specific challenges. Here's why the concept is gaining momentum.

1. Diverse Perspectives and Skills: Temporary team members can bring a wealth of diverse perspectives and skills to the table. Whether it's tapping into niche industry knowledge or harnessing a unique skill set, these individuals can inject new ideas and approaches into leadership discussions.

2. Targeted Problem-Solving: Temporary team members can be strategically selected to tackle specific issues or projects. Their short-term involvement allows leaders to focus their expertise on the precise areas requiring attention, accelerating problem-solving and decision-making processes.

3. Reduced Risk: By bringing in temporary members, leaders can experiment with potential future team additions without committing to long-term contracts or structural changes. This reduces the risk associated with permanent hires.

Navigating the Challenges

While the idea of temporary leadership team members offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that leaders must be prepared to address.

1. Integration: Temporary members may initially feel like outsiders. Leaders must prioritize integration efforts, ensuring that these team members feel valued and included in decision-making processes.

2. Clarity of Roles: Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of temporary members is crucial. Ambiguity can lead to confusion and hinder effective collaboration.

3. Accountability: Temporary team members need to be held accountable for their contributions, just like permanent members. Establishing clear metrics and expectations is essential for ensuring that they deliver on their responsibilities.

Making It Work

To make the most of temporary leadership team members, here's the strategic approach you should follow.

1. Identify Specific Needs: Clearly define the challenges or opportunities that require temporary expertise. Knowing precisely what you need will help you select the right candidates for temporary roles.

2. Set Expectations: Establish clear expectations for temporary team members, outlining their roles, responsibilities, and the duration of their involvement. Transparency is key to a successful partnership.

3. Emphasize Communication: Promote open and regular communication within the leadership team. Encourage feedback from both permanent and temporary members to foster collaboration and innovation.

4. Evaluate and Adjust: Periodically assess the performance and impact of temporary members. Adjust your strategy based on the results and lessons learned from these trial experiences.

The concept of incorporating temporary or trial basis members into leadership teams represents a dynamic shift in the way organizations approach leadership. By embracing this approach, businesses can tap into diverse expertise, address specific challenges with agility, and reduce long-term risks. However, successful navigation of the challenges involved requires clear communication, well-defined roles, and a commitment to making it work.

Photo Credit: Getty Images.