Today's workplace looks different from just a few days ago. Now, many companies work on a global level, and virtual work environments, multi-functional teams, and dotted-line reporting relationships have turned your hierarchical organization charts upside down. More complicated and varied relationship webs make simply getting things done not so simple. Learning to manage in these environments is referred to as "Matrix Management" and has created a demand for leaders with an entirely new set of leadership skills.

Matrix Manager Inventory is an assessment-based training program that's designed to help both new and seasoned managers learn "Matrix Management." Participants will learn how to improve organizational performance, and they will acquire and develop the ability to flex between "command and control" and "influence and collaborate" in an attempt to master matrix management.

The Matrix Manager Inventory shows learners their skill level on the dimensions of empowerment, risk-taking, participation, and team-building skills. Using a mix of a self-assessment, workbook activities, and a classroom workshop, Matrix Manager is designed to train your managers to become well-equipped to navigate the dynamics of matrix management, handle constant change with confidence, influence performance when there is no direct control, and achieve the results that drive organizational success.

By the end of this workshop, participants will:

• Learn how to balance the skills required of traditional and matrix management.
• Understand the matrix management decision making criteria.
• Build a "spectrum" of skills and behaviors that drive successful influence and collaboration.
• Define the role set or network needed to be a successful matrix manager.
• Overcome the daily dilemmas and challenges of matrix management.

The Matrix Manager Inventory helps individuals understand the competencies and capabilities needed to manage others in global, virtual, and matrix-style organizational environments.

Unlike many leadership tools, the Matrix Manager Inventory does not emphasize traditional "command" and "control" (hierarchical) management skills. Rather, the Matrix Manager Inventory emphasizes reliance on the influence and collaboration skills available to managers and leaders through the skillful application of matrix management as the most appropriate pathway to both personal and organizational success.

Print Facilitator Guide

The Facilitator Guide includes all of the information necessary to help participants develop an understanding of the matrix manager concepts and assist the facilitator in running a successful training workshop.

Online Assessment

The online assessment is administered to participants through the HRDQ Assessment Center and includes personalized reporting, full-color charts, interpretive information, worksheets, and action planning. A detailed report is delivered electronically to the facilitator when complete.

Print Assessment 5-Pack

The print version of the Matrix Manager Inventory includes the assessment questions, scoring and charting instructions, and basic interpretive materials. This assessment includes 40 questions and should take participants about 15 minutes to complete.

Print Workbook 5-Pack

The Workbook is intended for use in a group setting and includes the information necessary to help participants build a basic understanding of the Matrix Manager Inventory concepts and the roles and responsibilities of the matrix manager. This Workbook also includes information about interpreting the results of the online Matrix Manager Inventory assessment and can be used with either the print or online version of the assessment.

QuickStart Train-the-Trainer: 1-Hour Virtual Coaching Session for This Product

QST is a convenient, one-hour virtual coaching session for first-time facilitators of this product. You'll receive personalized, one-on-one coaching with a subject matter expert who will get you up to speed quickly and accurately so you can step into the onsite with confidence. We'll answer all your questions about the facilitation of the product. And you can add additional coaching hours as needed. Your coaching session can be provided by telephone or video call and at a time of your choosing.

Facilitators will also receive an HRDQ Certificate of Completion for completing the QuickStart session. 

James P. Eicher, MA, is a well-respected author, consultant, and subject matter expert in the fields of sales, organizational strategy, leadership, and communication. He has held leadership roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, Andersen Worldwide, Symantec, and NetApp. He was also the founder of Cognitive Management, a training and consulting firm with worldwide clients such as Xerox, Reuters, Sony, Simon and Schuster, Amdahl, and Nortel. He is the author of the Leader-Manager Profile and the Neurolinguistic Communication Profile, as well as the highly acclaimed book on management communication, Making the Message Clear.

Dr. John Jones (1935-2003) was the president of Organizational Universe Systems. He was best known as the co-founder of University Associates and the co-editor of the experience-based training and consulting handbooks and annuals. He regularly consulted with such clients as AT&T, Baxter Healthcare, Coors, GMC, Xerox, Kaiser-Permanente, Hughes Aircraft, ARC International, and numerous non-profit organizations in education and government.

William L. Bearley, Ed.D., is vice president of Organizational Universe Systems. He is an information systems and organization development consultant, combining his computer expertise with a solid background in human resources. He has collaborated with Dr. Jon Jones on tools for team building, decision making, burnout, and organizational change. He consults for numerous clients such as AT&T, Honeywell, Xerox, L'Oréal, and many educational and healthcare organizations.

Additional Product Resources

• Sample Report | Matrix Manager Inventory
• Webnar | How to Lead in a Collaborative Virtual Environment