Watermark Search International – Interim Management and guest speaker, Jo Attard Watters, hosted a webinar recently highlighting “Top tips on how to navigate through COVID-19 as an Interim Executive”. The key points of the webinar are below as well as a link to view the entire webinar. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated, the interaction was invaluable.
Understand this new and changing market
Organisations are preoccupied and focusing on staying afloat and retaining jobs
Everyone is fearful and anxious in this unprecedented environment
Organisations are delaying or ending projects and even facing closure
Organisations are cost conscious
Business models and interactions have changed – remote working is the new way
People are remaining in their jobs for security, so not much movement
Interim placement more likely than permanent search given flexibility, availability and expertise/experience
Innovation and creativity are evident
New language has emerged – self-isolation, social distancing
Respond to this changing market with your clients
Be aware that these times will be impacting each organisation differently
Clients need strategic support, courage and leadership from the interim executive cohort more than ever
This is the time for us to stay close to our clients
Call your clients, network, third party providers like Watermark, regularly to check in – communication is key and welcome - we are all in this together
Be flexible with your expected day rates / fees
Do pro bono work for your clients - this will build close relationships for the future as you were there when they needed you the most
Ask your clients, “How can I help?”
Ask your clients, "How are you?" Any advice you can provide around mental health will be appreciated and remembered - they will remember how you made them feel
Be even more proactive about managing your career and find innovative ways
Take care of yourself and promote yourself
Stay social – form peer groups and connect with them online a few times a week
Exercise – at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, 5 days a week
Have a “workspace” if working from home
Separate family and work time
Structure and manage your day
Be comfortable with ambiguity
Use this time for self-development
Do online courses
Become a “thought leader”
Create IP e.g. articles, workshops, books
Promote yourself on LinkedIn, your website, direct emails to your network
Network – form online peer networks or write a blog/vlog and distribute
Review your resume and Bio
Think of “what’s next” and develop a plan
Have some fun
You can watch the full recording of the webinar here.