By involving several project leaders in a project and making them responsible, knowledge of the various departments is used at its best. A team of people is created, each with their own strengths and knowledge, with which there is the greatest chance of success. Whether it’s tackling a problem or writing a new strategy, you have everyone on board. A general sense of responsibility is evoked throughout the organization. This is in contrast to the traditional model where departments all work on their own defined projects, separately from each other. Here are a few tips for each matrix organization.
Streamline roles within your matrix structure
In order to roll out the process of matrix work as efficiently as possible within your organization; you need to adhere to a number of rules. The most important one is the division of roles. Who takes the lead in the various teams and who then manages all team leaders? How is reporting done and when does consultation take place? Make sure all managers have the same knowledge and planning. When everyone has clear roles, employees can also talk to each other and keep each other on their toes.
Keep reflecting and rotating
Make the matrix a recurring topic at the quarterly meeting. Let everyone contribute their feedback and points for improvement, but also share the moments of success. The organizational structure has a great impact on everyone’s work, so it is very important that everyone feels good enough to do their job. When your company faces new challenges, it can also be good to rotate roles. Your matrix should always be a means to support your business, so if the balance of power has to shift temporarily, then so be it.
Avoid losing time
Using a matrix organization also involves some risks. By involving more people in a project, you also lose a lot more man-hours. There is more consultation, which leads to more meetings, and hours that can also be put into other work. Planning and monitoring priorities is therefore very important when working with a the matrix structure.
