The Tip-Off
When Projects Stall, Interim Leaders Step In to Keep the Game Moving
Every organization hits transition points — leadership exits, mergers, restructures, system launches. In those moments, projects don’t pause, but accountability often does. That’s where interim project leadership comes in — experienced operators who can stabilize delivery, restore confidence, and keep your transformation goals on track.
The Court View
Projects fail quietly — not from lack of vision, but from lack of continuity.
According to PMI research, over 30% of major initiatives derail during leadership turnover, and the cost of delay compounds fast: lost momentum, unclear ownership, disengaged teams.
The rise of interim project leaders reflects a new reality: organizations can’t afford downtime between permanent hires. They need immediate, high-caliber execution — leaders who can plug in fast, drive alignment, and deliver outcomes without the learning curve.
The Play
When a $1.2B healthcare company lost its HR Technology Program Director mid-implementation, deadlines slipped and vendor relations strained. Within two weeks, an interim project leader stepped in — refocused the team, stabilized governance, and renegotiated delivery timelines. The program went live only 45 days behind schedule, saving millions in potential delay penalties.
The difference wasn’t more resources — it was experienced leadership at the right moment.
The Coaching Corner
- Most companies react to leadership gaps instead of planning for them.
- Top-performing organizations treat interim leaders as a core resilience strategy.
- Smart leaders use interim talent to accelerate transformation, not just fill a seat.
The Box Score
Engaging an interim project leader typically yields:
- 15–25% reduction in project delay
- Immediate recovery of cross-functional accountability
- Sustained morale among delivery teams during leadership transitions
The Assist
If your organization faces a leadership gap mid-project — don’t pause progress.
Sixth Man™ provides seasoned interim leaders who step in when it matters most, maintaining momentum and delivering results until the permanent hire is ready to take the court.
Sixth Man Insight
Championship teams don’t lose rhythm when a starter goes down — they rely on their sixth man to steady the game and keep winning.
