What do interim managers and Rottweilers have in common?

Rottweilers have accompanied me on my journey through life since 1977 and I have admired this dog breed, its character and its performance since 1977. Just yesterday, a colleague in my current interim manager role said to me: “You’re a real terrier if you want to achieve anything!” I immediately read through the breed characteristics of a terrier and decided that interim managers are more like Rottweilers. Here is a little insight that will make you smile.

At first glance, interim managers and Rottweilers seem to have little in common. One is a highly qualified business professional, the other a powerful dog. But a closer look reveals surprising parallels between these seemingly different worlds. In this blog post, we take a humorous but insightful look at the similarities between interim managers and Rottweilers.

Similarities

Loyalty and reliability

Both interim managers and Rottweilers are known for their extraordinary loyalty. Interim managers quickly develop a strong bond with their temporary employer and do everything they can to achieve the goals set [source: 1]. The situation is similar with Rottweilers, which are considered to be extremely loyal and affectionate dogs [source: 2]. They are loyal to their family and are prepared to do anything for them.

Strength and assertiveness

Rottweilers are known for their impressive physical strength. Their muscular build and natural authority make them formidable figures [source: 4]. Interim managers have a comparable “mental strength”. They often have to make difficult decisions and enforce them against resistance. Their experience and self-confidence give them a natural authority in the corporate environment [source: 1].

Intelligence and learning ability

Rottweilers are considered to be exceptionally intelligent and eager to learn [source: 2]. They love to learn new tasks and are versatile due to their intelligence. Interim managers are also characterized by their high intelligence and quick comprehension [source: 5]. They have to quickly familiarize themselves with new business situations and solve complex problems.

Vigilance and attention

A Rottweiler is always alert and keeps a close eye on its surroundings [source: 2]. This characteristic makes it an excellent watchdog. Interim managers must be just as alert. They must recognize problems at an early stage, assess risks and react quickly to changes [source: 3].

Leadership qualities

Both Rottweilers and interim managers have natural leadership qualities. Rottweilers have a strong, self-confident character and need clear leadership [source: 4]. Interim managers, on the other hand, take on leadership roles themselves. They lead teams, implement visions and set the direction [source: 5].

Adaptability

Despite their strong character, Rottweilers are adaptable and can fit into different family structures [source: 6]. Interim managers must adapt just as quickly to new corporate cultures and work situations. Their ability to quickly adapt to new environments is one of their greatest strengths [source: 7].

Eagerness to work and willingness to perform

As former working dogs, Rottweilers are extremely eager to work and willing to perform [source: 4]. They need tasks and challenges to keep them balanced. Interim managers share this eagerness to work. They are known for their high motivation and commitment, often beyond the normal level [source: 5].

Specialization and versatility

Rottweilers were originally bred as cattle dogs, but over time they have proven themselves as versatile working dogs [source: 6]. Today, they are used in a variety of areas, from being kept as family pets to being used as rescue dogs. Interim managers are similarly versatile. Although they are often specialists in certain areas, they can use their skills in different industries and business situations [source: 3].

Independence and decisiveness

Rottweilers are known for their independence. They can make decisions independently, which makes them excellent working and guard dogs [source: 4]. Interim managers must also be able to make decisions independently and quickly. Their role often requires them to make important decisions in a short space of time [source: 5].

Stress resistance and resilience

Both Rottweilers and interim managers are characterized by their high stress resistance. Rottweilers remain calm and level-headed even in hectic situations [source: 4]. Interim managers often have to work under high pressure and solve complex problems. Their ability to keep a cool head even in stressful situations is crucial to their success [source: 5].

Protective instinct and sense of responsibility

Rottweilers are known for their strong protective instinct. They protect their family and their territory with great devotion [source: 6]. Interim managers take on a similar protective role for the company. They are concerned with protecting the company from harm and guiding it safely through crises [source: 3].

Conclusion: More than just superficial similarities

The parallels between interim managers and Rottweilers go far beyond superficial comparisons. Both are characterized by loyalty, strength, intelligence and adaptability. They are motivated, independent and resilient. These qualities make them valuable partners in their respective fields.

Of course, there are also clear differences. While a Rottweiler stays with his family for life, an interim manager only works for a company temporarily. And while a Rottweiler is satisfied with treats and cuddles, interim managers expect appropriate financial compensation for their services.

Nevertheless, this comparison shows that success in different areas is often based on similar basic principles. Whether a four-legged companion or a highly qualified manager – reliability, intelligence and adaptability are universal qualities that are valued in every situation.

The next time you see a Rottweiler, you might think of the interim manager in your company. And who knows – you might discover even more similarities between these unlikely partners.

Sources

https://www.galileo-institut.de/interim-manager-werden/
https://www.agila.de/agila-magazin/tierlexikon/118-rottweiler
https://www.persofaktum-interim.de/interim-guide/interim-management-allgemein/5-gute-gruende-fuer-den-einsatz-eines-interim-managers
https://www.mein-haustier.de/hunderassen/rottweiler/
https://www.freelancermap.de/blog/was-macht-ein-interim-manager/
https://www.zooroyal.de/magazin/hunde/hunderassen/rottweiler/
https://ddim.de/interim-manager-als-vorbild-in-verschiedenen-aspekten-der-unternehmenskultur-und-ethik/
https://www.josera.de/ratgeber/ratgeber-hunde/rottweiler.html
https://www.interim-profis.com/fachartikel/die-top-sieben-qualifiktionen-eines-interim-managers.html
https://interim-team.com/allgemein/die-wesentlichen-faehigkeiten-und-eigenschaften-eines-erfolgreichen-interim-managers/
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