How to Have a Successful Project In The Matrix Environment
Matrix management pulls together diverse people from within a company for a given project. These people are chosen because they have skill sets needed for the project, and once the project is completed the team dissolves. Matrix projects have multiple bosses, including an administrative and substantive boss. This system can be confusing at first, but once understood offers powerful advantages by focusing employee skills where they are most useful. The key to a successful project in the matrix environment is constant communication with your team members and bosses.
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Instructions
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Identify your managers and teammates. Become familiar with the particular skills, knowledge and experience of each team member. The strength of matrix management is in its ability to bring together people with skills that apply to the project. Take advantage of this strength by being aware of what each person can contribute.
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Clarify the role of each manager. Having an administrative and substantive boss can be confusing at first. Discuss their expectations and individual roles with them before the project begins. Ask questions in the beginning so you can work in the matrix environment with confidence.
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Communicate with your managers regularly. Send concise but thorough reports of project progress at regular intervals. Remember that your managers are responsible for multiple projects, and the burden may be on you to keep them up-to-date without using an excessive amount of their time. Ask for assistance or guidance with your project when you need it.
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Draw on the expertise of your team members for assistance with project tasks. You may find yourself working with people you've never worked with before. Avoid working closely just with people you have experience with; everyone is on your team for a reason.
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Balance your project with any other responsibilities you may have. You and your other team members may be part of multiple project teams at once. If this is the case, consider which projects are higher priorities and how much time you need to devote to each. Ask your managers about these priorities if you are not sure, or if the teams are collectively asking for more time than you have. Negotiations between project leaders may be necessary to divide everyone's time appropriately.
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