Global customers supply chains and more integrated business functions mean that work now cuts
across the traditional vertical silos of country and function. But the 'solution' of the matrix
structure also brings multiple bosses competing goals and higher levels of complexity.
Traditional management training prioritizes clarity predictability and control. In a matrix we
need to be able to balance this with the ability to tolerate ambiguity manage uncertainty and
decentralize control. Managers need an expanded toolkit to help them move from the hard to the
soft from the concrete to the ambiguous and back again depending on the situation. Making the
Matrix Work introduces some new ideas and practical tools in 3 key areas:* Leading people
beyond clarity to flexibility A matrix trades clarity for flexibility. We need to create enough
clarity on goals and roles and to align with others but we also need to cope with ambiguity
manage complex trade-offs and dilemmas and deal with higher levels of conflict. * Being
connected and effective We set up a matrix to improve cooperation and communication across the
silos but be careful what you wish for! It is easy to become over-connected to poor quality
meetings teams and communication. More teamwork meetings and emails are not the answer. *
Creating control by giving it away. The complexity and diversity of the matrix can undermine
trust and lead to an increase in central control and bureaucracy. We need to prevent this by
building trust empowering and creating commitment. Accountability without control and
influence without authority are the norm. Kevan Hall's new book will help you develop your
matrix mindset and will show you how to establish and engage networks that do not depend on
role control or authority to get things done. This book gives individuals working in the
matrix the tools to take control of their own goals role and success and shows matrix managers
how to lead others to make their matrix really work.Watch for the author's new book Kill Bad
Meetings - coming soon.
