A matrix organization is a structure that incorporates both functional and project-based groups. Each group has a defined set of tasks to maintain, but these groups also work together on projects.
In this organizational structure, the project group is smaller and more self-contained. Functional groups are made up of members from different areas of the team who collaborate on day-to-day tasks, while project-based groups focus on one single task at a time.
The Benefits of Matrix Organizations
Projects can be a great way to differentiate yourself in the workplace and provide an extra boost in motivation. When projects are well-selected, interesting, and aligned with your company’s goals, they can provide an important sense of purpose in the workplace.
Matrix organizations are an organizational structure that has both functional and project-based groups.
Projects allow people to work more closely on a common goal for a limited time before returning back to their day job. The matrix organization was designed for people who have a mix of roles and responsibilities within a company, however, it also allows for employees to have a sense of variety from one week or month to the next by working on different projects.
The Challenges of Matrix Organizations
In a matrix organization, there are different groups of people working on different parts of the business. Some people are in a functional group, which is more task-oriented and focuses on process improvement. They might not be involved in any project work. Other people are in a project-based group that works on specific projects.
The challenges with matrix organizations come from the differences between these two groups of people and what they do. When a person’s primary job is to work on a project, it can be hard for them to spend time on anything else. This can lead to burnout and frustration with your current job, which can result in turnover!
Strategies for Success in a Matrix Organization
To be successful in a matrix organization, you need to make sure that you understand your day-to-day job and not neglect it.
If you feel like your project is taking over your time and you’re feeling overwhelmed, the first thing to do is analyze how much of your time is spent on the project. What kind of work does it involve? Find out what percentage of your time this project should take up and then try to stick to those boundaries so you can also spend time on other tasks.
It’s also important for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to deadlines for projects. If there isn't a clear understanding of what needs to happen by when people may start working on different timelines which will only lead to confusion down the line.
Another strategy would be to make sure that your projects are structured in a way that doesn't take up too much of your day-to-day work with them. Structure things so that they are manageable chunks, rather than one big task! This will allow you more room in your schedule for other tasks.
Finally, keep an open dialogue with management about all aspects of the organization, including how long tasks should take and what needs prioritizing.
Get Comfortable With Change
In a matrix organization, you will often find yourself working on two or more projects at the same time. For those of us who prefer to stay in our comfort zone, this can be difficult to adjust to.
One way to help with this is by setting boundaries for yourself.
For example, you can set up time blocks that are dedicated to working on projects that don’t have deadlines coming up soon.
This way you know when your focus belongs to your current project and when it belongs elsewhere.
You also need to set up expectations for others outside of your project. If someone asks what you are working on right now, be honest about it! They will be able to help better if they know what’s going on in all parts of the company.
Build Skills to Support Your Projects
One of the best ways to keep up with your day job is to build skills that are useful for your projects. You may have to learn a skill you don't currently have or use your current skills in new ways.
For example, if you're in IT, you could learn how to program or perform data analytics. If you're in marketing, you could take a graphic design class.
You can also gain skills by taking on tasks outside of your comfort zone. This might be different from what you normally do, but it's possible that it will be something valuable for your projects.
Split Your Day into 8-Hour Work Tasks
When you work in a matrix organization, it’s easy to get lost in the details of each project. It’s so tempting to spend all day working on your pet project or task that you get sidetracked from your day job.
To prevent this from happening, you need to split up your tasks into 8-hour work tasks. For instance, if you have a morning meeting followed by an afternoon meeting, use the time before the morning meeting to do something for your day job and then work on your pet project during lunch.
This way, part of your day is devoted to the things that are important for both your day job and projects. By splitting up these tasks throughout the day, instead of spending all day working on one specific task, there is less chance of getting sidetracked or forgetting about an important task!
Conclusion
The matrix organization is a popular organizational structure because it promotes innovation and collaboration. To thrive in a matrix organization, you must be confident in handling change, skilled in your work, and comfortable with ambiguity.