Groups and Teams: Developing the team facilitator or leader role

In the blog last week, we explored the key stages in the development of teams. This week we shall examine the most challenging step of training several individuals in the complex skills required to effectively lead a matrix team.

According to recent research, for example by Global Integration, a specialist training provider, 90 percent of the FTSE 50 and Fortune 50 companies operate in a matrix structure. This style is structure where teams work across functions and member will report to more than one supervisory figure.

Moreover, there are three types of matrix management known as functional, balanced, and project. In a functional style, team leaders report to heads of departments such as marketing, finance, or HRM. Then, team members also often report to their functional managers.

Next, in a balanced format, functional and project managers share issues relating to management control and task responsibility equally.

Finally, in the project approach, the project leader holds the primary authority for the task and members. Team membership is assembled by temporarily seconding individuals from their functional roles.

The advantages and disadvantages of Matrix organisation

Advantages

• Clear project objectives

• Efficient use of resources

• Free-flowing information

• Training for project managers

• Retention of teams

Disadvantages

• Complex reporting style

• Slow response time

• Conflicting guidance

• Potential power struggles

• Constantly juggling priorities

The 8 primary abilities required for Matrix leadership

The skills required for effective matrix project leadership are more complex and subtle than those required for line management. One key reason for this is that while the manager can ultimately resort to formal organisational line authority, the matrix team leader must primarily function based on an ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate work allocation with fellow team members.

1. Communication transparency

First, clear, unambiguous, frequent, and honest interpersonal communication is vital to the success of complex matrix project leadership. This ensures everyone remains constantly aligned with key objectives and prevents misunderstandings that can trigger interpersonal conflicts.

2. Adaptability

Secondly, projects and priorities can change at a moment notice. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to remain flexible to lead last minute adjustments.

3. Conflict resolution

Then, skilled project leaders need to mediate conflicts that inevitably arise fairly and swiftly. This also includes an ability to focus on solutions rather than personalities.

4. Decision-making

After this, informed and timely decision-making is another invaluable matrix skill in which the leader needs to trust their intuition while still gathering the facts.

5. Relationship building

Next, acquiring the ability to build strong relationship within and between teams is an essential ability. This forms the foundation for collaboration, trust, and respect.

6. Strategic thinking

Also, it is essential to perceive the big picture, determine long-term goals, and identify the steps to achieve them.

7. Time management

Moreover, it is necessary to balance completing time schedule demands while also keeping the team’s workload under control.

8. Empowering others

Finally, the team leader must also act as a development facilitator for members by subtlety delegating responsibility and authority for key elements of projects

To conclude, in the blog next week we will examine the issue of team roles based on the Belbin model that focuses on leading, networking, thinking, and doing behaviours.

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Question 1

Why is learning interpersonal negotiation skills so important for matrix team leaders?

Question 2

Might some experienced line managers not be able to develop team leadership abilities?

Question 3

What are the key team roles essential for successful performance?

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We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.