Thriving in a Matrix Organization

As companies globalise many are adopting or have adopted matrix structures, in order to reap synergies and operate more cohesively as a global organization. In the process, global divisions and functional teams in areas such as Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Production are created. For managers, such structures introduce four levels of change to which they need to adapt:

• Business Environment Level: complexity and paradoxes appear as decisions taken ‘locally’ begin to have an international impact on the business, requiring a global mindset
• Organization Level: greyer lines of responsibility requires greater comfort with ambiguity and complexity, the ability to influence through persuasion as well as power, and an approach that looks beyond one’s own sphere of responsibility
• Team Level: more virtual teams in a global matrix environment requires managers to understand and address the specific related challenges, to ensure high levels of team performance
• Individual Level: in the new matrix environment managers must complete a proactive internal competency assessment and ask ‘what must I do now?’ in terms of skills-building

The Thriving in a Matrix Organization programme examines each of the above challenges and equips managers with the skills and tools to operate effectively and confidently in a matrix structure.

Benefits

• Understand the benefits, challenges and key success factors for managers in matrix organizations
• Enhance influencing and trust-building skills in a matrix environment
• Develop skills in leading virtual, multi-cultural transnational teams
• Understand best practice in matrix structure communication

Audience

All managers seeking to perform at the highest level within the matrix structure of their organization.

Some key topics

• Evolution of Matrix Structures
• The Matrix Organization
• Team Challenges, Direction, Culture and Adaptability in a Matrix Structure
• 10 Personal Attributes for vMatrix Success
• Building Trust from a Distance
• Power and Influence
• Communications Skills Protocols and Processes
• Virtual Team Leadership and Membership

Methods

The programme consists of a 1 day classroom session preceded by and followed by access to the Country Navigator e-learning resource. Through completing the Country Navigator Worldprism Profiler questionnaire as pre-work, participants will develop an understanding the dominant cultural orientations that influence their management style, and be better able to adapt their approach as required in a cross-cultural matrix context. The pre-work is followed by a high impact, experiential and challenging classroom session. Participants have continuing access to the Country Navigator following the programme.

For further information or to book a session, please contact us at enquiries@tmaworld.com.