Despite a growing frustration with its structure and the challenges it presents to managers, the matrix organizational structure remains widely used. Addressing increasingly important skills in our unstable global economy, How to Survive and Thrive in a Matrix Organization shares the knowledge, talents, and attitudes essential to succeeding in a matrix organization. This book uniquely concentrates on surviving within a matrix organization instead of addressing the design and management of one. With an emphasis on mending common developmental shortfalls, the book focuses on communication, influencing, coaching, negotiation, and conflict management. Using this handbook as a reference, you can learn the benefits and primary challenges of matrix structures and which tools, techniques, and tips can enhance your operation within a matrix structure in the increasingly challenging and complex global environment.

• Addresses universal modern work problems, such as multiple reporting lines, lack of role clarity, confusion over accountability, constant restructuring, and circuitous decision making, that detract from job performance and diminish job satisfaction
• Author Dawn Metcalfe shares her real-life experiences as a successful performance consultant based in Dubai
• This guide incorporates practical case studies from major international organizations, such as Acer, General Motors, Nokia, Proctor & Gamble, and Phillips

Ideal for leaders and managers working within a matrix organization, How to Survive and Thrive in a Matrix Organization provides practical solutions to the complex problems that arise daily in these systems.

Dawn Metcalfe is the Managing Director of Performance Development Services (PDS) and an experienced trainer, facilitator and coach who works across a wide range of industries.

Her clients are usually already highly effective and skilled people who wish to consider new tools that might help them as they face their next challenge.

Dawn has extensive experience of working with different cultures having lived and worked in the UK, France, Spain, Japan, China and now Dubai where she is based.

Dawn works regularly with board directors, senior managers and top management teams across the region to improve performance by changing the way individuals and groups see the world and the impact they have on it and others.

Performance Development Services (PDS) helps individuals, teams and organizations change behaviour and improve performance through 1:1 Executive Coaching, mentoring or delivering Leadership and Management Development Programmes.

Introduction 6

1 The Challenge is Set 7

2 Laying the cards on the table 10

3 Preparing for change 15

4 Working on objectives 17

5 How quickly we forget 22

6 The matrix – the good, the bad and the ugly 23

7 What do the successes in the matrix do? 28

8 Defining EI 31

9 A short and (emotionally) intelligent review 39

10 Working out how EI can help 40

11 Why IQ isn’t enough 46

12 Learning EI 50

13 Fake it until you make it 53

14 How managers can help improve EI 63

15 Understanding the importance of culture and strong leadership in the matrix 63

Epilogue 67

Acknowledgements

About the author

Useful resources