“Successful change, even small in scale, creates momentum and helps bring people on board. Leaders gravitate toward limited-risk environments, and a small initiative with a maximized chance of success is a great way to start.”
How do you begin operationalizing Matrix Management 2.0™? This is a question asked by many of our clients and partners who may be convinced of the benefits of the MM 2.0™ approach, but are wary of the challenges they may run into while applying it.
We sat down with Dr. Jeanne Dorle, business consultant, and corporate trainer, to discuss her take on the best way to get started.
Identify the Status Quo
Q. So where would you recommend getting started with Matrix Management 2.0™?
A. Matrix business environments are complex, and even if your organization acknowledges a need for change, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed by the task of improving the way an organization operates in these environments. To implement MM 2.0™ solutions, I recommend starting with the MM 2.0™ Maturity Model. This practical model provides a structure for analyzing the organization’s current level of matrix maturity.
You are able to take a look at how the organizational structure and its leadership operate, and then further break down your analysis into the five SPARC™ Keys that stand for Structure, Productivity, Accountability, Relationship Management and Collaborative Leadership. As you apply this model to a specific organization, it becomes clear which keys are stronger as compared to others. The MM 2.0™ Maturity Model provides a structured tool for illustrating an organization’s current status, so you can identify a starting point for improving its maturity.
Click the image above to view a larger version of the Maturity Model.
Find Your Path
Q. How would you use the MM 2.0™ Maturity Model to develop a path towards change?
A. As a consultant, I would collaborate with the senior leaders to assess their organizational maturity. Once we understand this organization’s maturity dimensions, we can focus on those areas that will have the greatest impact on improving their performance. There isn’t a single recipe on how to successfully proceed from there, and the beauty of the MM 2.0™ Maturity Model is that it offers several possible options or paths an organization might follow. Discussing these alternative paths is a great way to work collaboratively with the senior leadership team in determining which of the possible paths will address the greatest needs.
Focus on Achievable Success
Q. The path will provide a long-term view of changes an organization can address to more effectively operate in a matrix environment. How do you implement these changes?
A. The MM 2.0™ Maturity Model works from a premise that you don’t have to fix everything at once. In fact, an organization may select an area where they not only need the most help but where they are more likely to achieve success. Successful change, even small in scale, creates momentum and helps bring people on board. Leaders gravitate toward limited-risk environments, and a small initiative with a maximized chance of success is a great way to start.
Organizational challenges and resistance to change are often deeply rooted in individuals’ minds, organizational structure, and history. To turn this around, you need a long-term commitment, but what helps is being able to achieve some short-term results quickly.
A Bit About Jeanne Dorle
Dr. Jeanne Dorle, PMP is an educator, consultant and corporate trainer with more than 20 years experience providing customized solutions to corporate and university clients. She is experienced in directing a PMO, implementing enterprise project management frameworks and creating portfolios of strategic projects.
Dr. Dorle received a Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction, a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. degree from the University of Minnesota, and a J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law. Dr. Dorle received her PMP certification from the Project Management Institute and is a PMI® Certified OPM3® (Organizational Project Management Maturity Model), Assessor and Consultant.
Ready to Learn More?
To help our clients get started, we have launched the Matrix Management 2.0™ Quick Guide, the first of a series of books focused on the fundamental principles of MM 2.0™. The Quick Guide serves as an easy-to-read, practical introduction to Matrix Management 2.0™, as well as a reference for professionals already working on Matrix Management 2.0™ solutions.
