Is a Temporary Team Leader the Right Answer?

There's an interesting story at Workforce Management about a company that provides senior execs for temporary, or in some cases part-time, placement. It's a thought-provoking business model that argues that the future of management is people coming together in teams for a project, then disbanding and moving on.

This alternative to the all-or-nothing talent pool offers talented executives a chance to work on their own terms -- for example, three days a week instead of full-time, or for a six-month stint -- while allowing companies to quickly find people to helm new initiatives without a long-term commitment or a grueling hiring process.

But is bringing in a pinch hitter the way to go? I understand the cost benefits of using a hired-gun exec on occasion. But it seems to me the teamwork aspects would fall by the wayside. It's hard to work up enthusiasm or loyalty for a team leader who'll be out the door in two months. And can someone from the outside really understand the personalities, talents and potential of all the new faces he's managing? I can also imagine how a revolving door of fill-in managers might feel to the rank and file. Do it too often and you're sure to breed resentment from employees looking for advancement.

What do you think?

(image by Banalities via Flickr, CC 2.0)
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