Finding other methods to manage transitions

Neither companies nor consultants are very efficient at carrying out reconstruction or development projects, or projects aimed at improving performances, all of which are part of day-to-day business operations. Patrick Laredo, former president of KPMG Peat Marwick, recommends managing transitions. This involves temporarily entrusting the management to a very strong, external manager who has a free hand and can therefore mobilise the existing teams in order to reach the predetermined objectives quickly. What are the qualities needed in such a manager? Can he really generate enthusiasm in the company even though he has no intention of staying on in the company ? How does the changeover take place ? Many questions about this subject are beginning to emerge.