Organizational Matrix
It is undeniable that today’s business environment requires an organizational matrix, regardless of how many may feel about it. In organizations that operate in multiple countries, offer a variety of products, and serve clients in multiple channels, matrix structures are fundamental.
A matrix organization, where workers depend on others over whom they don’t have direct authority, can present challenges to establishing high levels of cooperation and coordination.
How can leaders promote and foster cooperation?
Transparent and timely communication are key features of a matrix that works effectively. Although these behaviors encourage collaboration, they don’t prevent disputes about what to do, when to do it, and how. In order to sustain cooperation and collaboration across organizational boundaries, leaders in a matrixed structure must win other people’s support for their ideas and resolve differences across organizational boundaries. Thus, it is vital for today’s leaders to develop their influence skills.
To influence effectively within a matrix, the groundwork must be laid well in advance. To change the perspective, behaviors, or attitudes of your matrix partner, you must act immediately. In all of their interactions, the best leaders exhibit the following behaviors.
1.Find a common goal or objective
When your goals aren’t aligned, no proposal, no matter how well thought out, can have an effect on the other person’s behavior or attitude. Even if their arguments appear compelling and the data proving them true are strong, leaders who focus on outcomes that others don’t care about can’t succeed. Instead of making repeated arguments that do not achieve the desired results, they ensure that their goals are aligned before starting their positions more forcefully.
2.Establish your credibility
A person’s perception of their competence is a major contributor to the success of their ideas or proposals.
3.Understand other people’s needs and values
To effectively influence someone, you must consider the issue from their perspective rather than yours. As opposed to focusing on your own values and benefits, it is more effective to emphasize the specific benefits of your proposal for the other person or how it is consistent with the values and beliefs the other person holds dear.
4.Develop positive relationships at work
The use of influence tactics such as inspiration and consultation requires a positive relationship and trust. A style of flexibility and a decreased reliance on rational arguments are dependent on building trust and relationships over time.
INFLUENCING ACROSS MATRIX COURSE
To ensure the following skills are taken care of, P2L is offering the perfect course for you. By the end of the class, participants will be more capable of navigating a matrix environment, where their positional power is limited. As a result, they will successfully establish stronger networks across the organization, build support for their ideas, solicit cooperation from others, and gain stakeholder buy-in. To achieve this, they will develop trust and credibility, thoroughly assess those being influenced, and use core communication techniques with skill and confidence.
As we have learned, when matrix leaders are able to effectively use influence, they are much more likely to create a culture of cooperation and achieve their business objectives which lead to success.
All of which is taught in the Influencing Across The Matrix course. Take advantage of the opportunity and contact P2L to enroll today!