Episode 22 of the WHySE Creatures Stories
This post first appeared on LinkedIn on 13 August 2026.
‘Dog, isn’t project management interim anyway?’
Rabbit sat at the table, tapping two pieces of paper with his pen.
On one was written: Project management.
On the other: Interim project management.
“A project has a beginning and an end, doesn’t it?” said Rabbit. “So project management is also time-limited. Doesn’t ‘interim’ mean temporary or transitional?”
Dog tilted his head.
“The basic idea is correct,” he said. “And yet there is a subtle difference between project management and interim project management.”
Project management leads a project. Yes. Usually, the project manager comes from within the company’s staff.
With interim project management, the project manager comes from outside the company:
When leadership, structure or relief is needed for a limited time and the company’s personnel capacity is exhausted.
When there is a project and the project management role has not yet been filled by a permanent appointment.
When an independent outside perspective is needed.
Dog pushed the note about interim project management slightly forward.
“Interim project management isn’t a consultancy role, though,” he said. “Dog doesn’t turn up with slides, give a talk and then disappear again. He manages the project just like a member of staff. Working closely with the team, with a clearly agreed mandate.”
Rabbit pricked up her ears.
“So, an employee?”
“Well, not quite,” said Dog. “Dog doesn’t gradually grow into a role. He takes on a clear, fixed-term mandate. The role, remit and boundaries are agreed. And he remains independent of the company’s hierarchies.
He’s part of the project.
He keeps track of deadlines, risks, stakeholders and decisions.
He brings calm to chaotic phases.
And he leaves again once the project is finished or can continue on a sustainable basis.”
Rabbit looked out of the window at the H₂ terrain.
“So interim project management is project management with a clear, fixed-term remit, without a permanent position?”
Dog smiled.
“Yes. With responsibility. With a mandate. And with the aim of bringing the project to a successful conclusion or steering it back onto a stable course.”