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Managing in the Matrix
A workshop on how to make your matrix more effective (two days with follow up)
A new and innovative workshop driven by the needs of our clients. In global markets, matrix organisation structures promise much:
- Global products and services tailored for local markets
- Efficient new product development and reduced time to market
- Global expertise leveraged worldwide to improve sales and customer service
But realising these benefits can be difficult.
When a matrix structure is placed onto existing country or product -based business units, staff often find themselves with dotted line relationships to executives, sometimes outside their region, who demand involvement in a wide range of business issues. At the centre the matrix can be a huge source of frustration for leaders who need to get results but lack line authority.
Unfortunately, all too often, the matrix is seen as a barrier rather than an enabler of organisational flexibility and responsiveness.
Ultimately, whether the matrix acts as an enabler or a source of frustration is down to the behaviour of those people who work within it. Do they use it to build productive, empowering relationships or as a source of control and self-preservation?
Objectives
- A matrix – what is it and how does it differ from other structures?
- To build clarity on the strategic importance of the matrix structure and how it can work effectively to deliver added value by:
- leveraging expertise
- responding quickly and flexibly to opportunities
- developing strategic advantage
- To build understanding of how relationships need to evolve to make the matrix work
- Moving to the specific, to identify and analyse critical relationships for delegates and to develop individual strategies to manage them effectively
- To investigate the nature of power and authority in the new structure and how this affects key relationships
- To help delegates to understand the political dimension of a matrix structure and identify their own preferences and those of key relationships
- To strengthen win-win behaviours and develop advanced communication skills in order to build highly productive collaborative relationships and manage conflict proactively
- Raise awareness of cultural differences in the organisation and offer tools for managing this.
Contact us here to discuss your needs.
