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Hiring interim executive is an intentional decision that gives an organization time to access and figure out next steps. As a nonprofit executive, I have run the nuts and bolts of a small shop to the launch of international multi-stakeholder programs and everything in between. I came into an office of a nonprofit that had been shuttered for months, going from zero to adding staff, funding and structure that wasn't there before. The consistent comment from staff and stakeholders? "It seems like you have always been here!"

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Medical, maternity or sabbatical leave. Organizations tend to work at full capacity, so instead of stealing current staff time, hiring an interim executive can keep the organization running full speed ahead. By explicitly hiring an interim executive, organizations can avoid creating unnecessary competition for a position that is not available.

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Breathing (and dreaming) room. An executive departure is a great time to pause and re-imagine the future of your organization. Have thought about expanding regionally? Or merging with another organization? Or perhaps experimenting with new directions in fundraising? Having a highly skilled but neutral executive can get the organization's staff and stakeholders focused and heading in the right direction, before you make your permanent and perfect hire.

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Sudden exit. Whatever the reason, sudden exit of an executive can be devastating for the operations, staff retention and brand of an organization. Hiring an experienced interim executive can move an organization from a vulnerable position to one of stability and growth. Taking advantage of an outside, neutral perspective to assess the situation and make recommendations will make your organization stronger, no matter where the search for your new leader may take you.