Rachel Feintzeig and Joann S. Lublin, The Wall Street Journal, January 7, 2016
It’s hard being the in-between boss. The temporary chief executives of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. and United Continental Holdings Inc. are currently getting a taste of the challenge while the firms’ full-time leaders are undergoing medical treatment.
Few management assignments hold as many pitfalls as that of the interim boss, say those who advise and research such leaders. Temporary leaders must show strength and rally the troops during uncertain times, but they also can’t make bold changes or act like they will run the place long-term.
“It’s a short runway,” says Davia Temin, CEO of Temin & Co. “An interim CEO will rarely be able to change the culture.” […read more]