Seminar On Matrix Management

INTRODUCTION

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, and 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.

This 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 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.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, participants should 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

DURATION

5 Days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This 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 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

COURSE CONTENT

Day One: Getting a Grasp on Matrix Teams

• Introduction: What is Matrix management?
• The 5W1H (What, Who, When, Where, Why & How) of matrix-managed teams
• The dimensions of matrix team working: Functional, Cross-functional, Global, Extended
• The implications of teams having two 'chains of command'
• The advantages and challenges of matrix teams
• The outputs of matrix management: Leadership and management perspectives

 Day Two: Leader’s Roles in Matrix Teams  

• Matrix vs Traditional teams: Differences in leadership, decision making and collaboration
• Expectations on the matrix team leaders
• Becoming accountable to the needs of the team
• How to maintain focus and demonstrate concern
• Appropriate level of involvement and control
• Providing direction working inside the group vs positional authority
• Cross-functional accountability for matrix team leaders

Day Three: Key Behaviours and Skills Required

• The skills, qualities and attributes needed in matrix management
• Understanding impacts of leaders’ style and influence on the team
• Communicating and controlling at appropriate levels for matrix team leaders
• Developing a passion to release potentials in team members
• Delivering performance effectively in a complex environment
• Managing Projects: Lifecycle, tools, triple constraints and critical success factors

Day Four: Establishing a Matrix-based Team – Tools and Techniques

• The makeup of high performing matrix teams
• Group process facilitation – enabling the team to achieve
• Team problem solving – encouraging collaboration and collective management control
• Team decision making – empowering the team to reach their own decisions based on team’s charter
• Team communication – representing the voice of the team within the wider organization
• Increasing engagement and staying connected

Day Five: Advanced Matrix Leadership Requirements

• International considerations such as cultural drivers, language and time differences
• Developing mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity
• Improving communication: when and how
• Tools and techniques for influencing and virtual communication
• Preventing and managing conflict
• Application Planning - Developing a practical application plan focused on your own specific matrix team

GENERAL NOTES

·       This course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in the respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.

·       Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

·       Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.

·       We can also do this as tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: training@skillsforafrica.org

·        The training will be conducted at SKILLS FOR AFRICA TRAINING INSTITUTE IN NAIROBI KENYA.

·       The training fee covers tuition fees, training materials, lunch and training venue. Accommodation and airport transfer are arranged for our participants upon request.

·       Payment should be sent to our bank account before start of training and proof of payment sent to: training@skillsforafrica.org