If you’re anything like me, you cling to the last days of summer and try to squeeze in all your favourite things – barbecues, less formal clothing, freer schedules, sitting outside, long days – these are all things that I hate to see end every year. But with the winding down of summer, there is a new energy. We’ve already had some cooler nights, which remind us that fall is coming, and it’s time to get more serious about work life. For business owners, it may just be time to tackle some of the tough projects that you’ve been putting off. Before you start to get really busy again, think about whether you have all the resources that you need to get these projects done, or do you need a fresh perspective to help them get off the ground? A contract executive makes an ideal project manager because they can focus all of their time and energy on your project, not getting side-tracked with other issues.

Sheila Hamilton

One of things that I enjoy the most about interim executive assignments is the opportunity to be part of putting the long term solution in place for a client. I am coming to the end of 20 month assignment as a senior executive with a large social services agency in a role which has given me a unique perspective on the requirements for the role on a go-forward basis. Through discussion with the Executive Director during the recruiting process, I am able to share my thoughts and opinions about what is needed as someone who has actually done the job in some depth. These insights help the decision-makers during the selection process to zero in on what’s most important in terms of skills and experience but also in terms of fit with the personalities of the team of managers who report to this position, as well as the peer group. It’s another way that The Osborne Group adds value for our clients by offering deep insight into a client’s needs and a healthy objectivity as our contract executives are not angling for the long-term assignment.   

Jane Rounthwaite