Managing a Matrix Team

Matrix management is a structure that uses specialist staff from different functional areas to work on projects or assignments being led by project managers. Staff in the matrix structure have two managers – their functional manager and their project manager. The functional manager maintains the line of authority over the day to day issues such as work allocation, performance, sign offs, etc. while the project manager has authority over the issues related to the project.

Since staff have to work and share information with staff from other areas, matrix management allows greater flexibility across organizations, provides staff with variety and the opportunity to apply their specialist knowledge, selects staff to suit the requirements of the project, and breaks down silos.

Managing Matrix Team Training Course is an ideal breakthrough into the essential concepts of Matrix Management and how organizations can effectively deal with complex issues like problems, role ambiguity and conflicts. The Managing Matrix Team Training Course breaks down the fundamental principles and processes needed to ensure success when leading matrix-managed teams. It provides trainees with the opportunity to experience different methods, tools and techniques which will enable leaders to improve performance, achieve desired results and approach the role with confidence. Practical application is the prime focus of the work shop.

This Managing a Matrix Team training course will feature:

• Challenges and benefits of Matrix Management in the workplace
• Varieties of Matrix Management styles
• Establishing of an effective matrix model
• The challenges of leading, integrating and motivating a matrix team
• Insights into the fundamentals of project management
• Succeeding as an employee in a Matrix Management situation
• Strategies to perform key managerial functions in the teams  
• Development of a robust personal action plan

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Clarify the differences in style and approach between a traditional manager and a matrix manager
• Adopt a variety of practical methods and specific tools and techniques to lead a matrix-based team effectively
• Clarify roles and delegate authority seamlessly
• Manage diverse and complex reporting lines
• Motivate teams to solve conflict themselves without relying on sources outside the matrix
• Resolve inter and intra group conflict
• Deal with difficult people within the matrix
• Prevent and manage conflicts effectively
• Identify and manage stakeholders effectively

This Managing a Matrix Team training course is designed for anyone working across multiple functions, business units and locations, employees reporting to more than one manager in more than one location, anyone who regularly works on multiple project teams and for everybody who operates in a Matrix structure or a matrix team, of any organization in any industry segment and/or business sector.

This Managing a Matrix Team training course is suitable to a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Senior and Line Managers
• Project Managers
• Group Leaders and Team personnel
• Shift and Supervisory staff

This Managing a Matrix Team training course will utilise a variety of proven adult learning techniques to ensure maximum understanding, comprehension and retention of the information presented. This includes interactive facilitation, direct input, delegate discussions, case studies, reviews, interactive exercises and short video clips.

Suitably tailored training materials will be provided, and the facilitator will provide a balance of structured input and discussion of case studies, critical incidents and scenarios relevant to your own particular context.