Life in a Matrix

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 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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One of the biggest differences in working and managing in a matrix organization structure is the fact that we may have multiple bosses.
Traditional hierarchy (literally “holy-order”) existed for thousands of years based on a single, clear line of command and control. It lasted so long for a good reason - it worked.
In a matrix we […]

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In  a previous post on matrix management skills we talked about the importance of networking in getting things done in a matrix organization structure.
A useful tool in this area is network mapping where we get participants in our skills for the matrix training to draw their network and analyze it to identify gaps, strengths, weaknesses etc…
I know […]

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I have been browsing various articles on matrix organization structure to see what good matrix management resources there are out there - to be honest most of them have a limited view of the matrix - in many cases they confuse cross-functional project management (temporary projects that cross organizational boundaries) with a formal matrix organization […]

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I found a good blog summary on using RASCI at PM Insights lots of resources and explanation of the traditional approach.
Don’t forget to read this in conjunction with my other post on adapting this approach to the matrix - If you can align goals you don’t need a matrix. Creating clarity where you can is important […]

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As there are relatively few resources on matrix management issues available I am going to create links to some of the useful ones.
Here is a blog article which defines the matrix and some of the issues Kevin Tucker has found in working with this structure.
Kevin quite rightly emphasises the critical role of people and culture […]

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