Life in a Matrix

In our first post on the subject of power and influence in matrix management we looked at what sources of power were open to us, and what were the consequences and limitations of using different types of power (coercive, normative and presence power) in matrix management.
Other sources of power to influence without traditional authority in [...]

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Take a look at Gill Corkindale’s second article on “Surviving the matrix” at the Harvard Business Publishing website. In it she addresses some of the key challenges of managing and working in a matrix organization structure.
She captures the breadth and depth of the challenges of matrix management. Worth a look.

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In previous posts we have mentioned that in a matrix organization structure it is common for very senior managers to underestimate the impact of the matrix on management. The reason for this is that, at the top of the matrix, relatively little changes -  everyone still works for you!
I found this interesting article about a [...]

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I was reminded by the great comment left by my mum on the podcast below about an example that often comes up on our skills for the matrix training about a very common form of matrix management – the matrix of mum and dad.

In a family, if the kids come to Dad and [...]

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Welcome to the first ever “Life in a Matrix” podcast on matrix management.

Kevan Hall, CEO of Global integration and author of the book Speed Lead talks about what is different about cooperation in large, matrix, virtual, global and other complex teams and organizations.

He thinks that too much unnecessary cooperation, communication & control makes complex [...]

 Episode 1 - Too much cooperation going on [9:41m]: Download

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Influence without authority is a core skill in matrix management – see previous post. Understanding your ability to influence in a matrix organization structure depends in part on understanding what sources of power you have and how to apply them.

First we have to realise which of these types of power we have access to to [...]

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I have a Google alert which tells me about any new mentions of the words “matrix management” or “matrix organization” and I have noticed a steady increase in the number of jobs asking for matrix management skills. Here is one that arrived last week
 “Experience managing, providing direction, and facilitating in a matrix management environment and [...]

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I found some well thought through posts on the blog “When IT goes bad” (you will need to scroll down to 17 March, Jan 27 & 19th posts on the page) on project management in a “weak matrix” (where control lies less with a project manager, and more with functional or resource managers)
The posts go into some detail [...]

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As part of our Speed Lead “save a day a week” program we are focusing with some of our clients on specific reductions in meetings, conference calls and emails – for many people in matrix and other complex companies (and some simpler ones) this consumes 40-50% of their time and they tell us that over [...]

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I watched a program last night about city brokers holding a downhill ski racing day. It was all very lavish and the organizer justified it by saying “But its all great team-building” It irritated me because there is a lot of money spent on questionable team-building.
I am sorry but skiing fast downhill on your own [...]

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