Leading in the Global Matrix

Leading In The Global Matrix

Proven Skills & Strategies to Succeed in a Collaborative World

January 28th, 2020
By: John Futterknecht & Marty Seldman Ph.D.

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In today’s global business world, many organizations are shifting away from decentralized, vertical structures–with silo functions such as finance, HR, or operations–to a “matrix” model of cross-functional teams that work across a number of business units. When executed successfully, a matrix structure helps companies thrive in the modern market by better leveraging internal resources, eliminating duplication, spurring innovation, and driving enterprise-wide strategy.

However, integrating matrix structures is often a challenge for organizations.

John Futterknecht and Marty Seldman, PhD, have worked with some of the world’s largest companies to investigate and conquer the challenges that arise with these highly integrated organizational structures. Through coaching hundreds of leaders and training thousands for on success in a matrix environment, they have witnessed first-hand which skills and strategies are most critical for matrix success . . . and now they’re sharing these breakthrough, field-tested tips with you.

Leading in the Global Matrix offers a real-world perspective of working in a matrix while using examples from the authors’ actual coaching of business leaders. This book tackles the critical, “unspoken” dimensions that are often underestimated and unaddressed in the global business world, helping readers learn:

  • specific skills and insights that can help them be successful in the trenches
  • how to deal with day-to-day realities–which include complexity, pressure, and demand to deliver results with speed
  • what to do, why it’s important, and how to accomplish each task

With concrete action plans, readers can implement what they learn in the book into their everyday work lives. Leading in the Global Matrix encapsulates field-tested advice to help individual professionals and their teams unlock their full potential, allowing the matrix to finally deliver on its promise.

What People Are Saying

“It’s usually not difficult to explain the need for the shift to a matrix organization design. But it is certainly tough to explain what’s needed to make it operate effectively. Until now: this book delivers a practical explanation of why these structures often fail and clear guidance on the skills and attributes it takes to make them work. It’s a must-read for leaders in today’s global environment.”

—Peter Gibbons, CEO, TireHub

 

“The world of business is experiencing unprecedented change and companies are using new organizational models to manage that change. Marty and John have a proven track record of success coaching thousands of successful executives. This book conveys all their tips in a practical and accessible way from building a network to effectively coping with organizational politics. It is a must read for any aspiring leader seeking to jumpshift their effectiveness.”

—Michael White, former CEO, DIRECTV

 

“Leading in the Global Matrix is more than a must-read business book. It proves the value of the matrix and gives leaders an inspiring and actionable roadmap to transform leadership, collaboration and innovation in the modern world of work.

—Amy Thompson, executive vice president and chief people officer, Mattel, Inc. 

 

“Organizations have always been complicated to navigate, even for the most savvy leaders.  But in this new world where once traditional hierarchies are now more global, more interdependent, and more matrixed, reading this book is mandatory for any leader who wants to succeed.  Leaders who avoid this wisdom do so at their peril.”

—Michael Feiner, author, The Feiner Points of Leadership, Columbia Business School professor, and former senior PepsiCo executive

 

“The gold standard of what it really takes to lead in global matrix organization . . . and oh-so practical!”

—Ed Betof Ed.D., senior fellow in human capital, The Conference Board, former WW VP of Talent Management, and chief learning officer, BD

 

“An essential read, providing the latest thinking and practical guide for leaders who need to succeed and unlock the full potential of working on a matrix organization. Nurtured by the latest behavioral research, real cases and proven techniques, the reader acquires new skills and strategies for growth and success in the matrix.”

—Pedro Padierna-Bartning, retired chairman, Pepsico-México

 

“Due to their in deep familiarity with the subject, and privileged position when openly talking with thousands of executives from all over the world about the challenge on succeeding on a matrix organization, John and Marty were able to grant us with an amazing set of tools to efficiently navigate on matrix organizations, securing we know what to do but, most important, HOW TO do it! It´s a must-read book for anyone who deals with complex organizations.”

—André Machado Fonseca, president, QMC Telecom do Brasil

 

“Whether you are in a private equity turnaround, or a global corporation, this book provides a roadmap for transforming your company. Marty and John provide simple, practical tools that apply to any executive looking to maximize the effectiveness of their matrixed environment.”

—Dan Guill, president and chief operating officer, Enlivant

 

“Collaboration and leading in a global matrix organization are two critical success factors and the new normal for leaders to be successful in today’s fluid and dynamic business world.  Marty and John combine both art and science into a practical portfolio of insights, skills development, and learning to help leaders successfully navigate the waters of the global matrix while developing and amplifying their leadership capabilities.”

–Steve Milovich, former senior vice president of human resources, The Walt Disney Company

 

“In today’s global business environment, were organizations are increasingly integrated, the ability to collaborate across boundaries and influence without authority is critical. This is a no-nonsense book and a survival guide for executives looking to thrive in a global matrix.”

—Steve Williams, CEO, PepsiCo Foods North America 

 

“This book is a must-read for leaders in any industry. John and Marty bring so much knowledge and insight to the table – including how to navigate a variety of stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. This book is full of practical, easy-to-use advice that even the busiest leader can use.”

—Candi Carter, executive producer, The View

 

“Leading in the matrix is complicated but necessary for all those that aim to succeed in the modern business arena. This book breaks it down in an easy-to-learn and practical fashion which will unlock value for all who read it.”

—Josh Craver, head of talent management, FIS Global

 

“A must-read for anyone working in an organization, large or small. Leading in the Global Matrix is the first book that not only describes what a matrix is but also gives real, practical tips on how to manage and succeed in today’s dynamic business world. John and Marty have taken the intimidation away from the concept of a matrix environment. This book is easy to read and touches on all the brilliant aspects John and Marty have been teaching for years. It’s the answer we’ve all been looking for!”

—Dianne DeSevo, global chief HR officer, Engine Group

 

“As the pace of change in the marketplace accelerates, organizations are becoming more dynamic, agile and matrixed—leaving career paths and organizations more challenging to navigate. With their unique perspective as ‘inspirational pragmatists,’ the authors provide a compelling guide to increasing effectiveness, career development and personal growth that demystifies the art of leading in the matrix and renders it practical and immediately actionable.”

—Brady Brewer, senior vice president of digital customer experience, Starbucks Coffee Company 

 

“This book is a must-read. Seldman and Futterknecht assertively address the unspoken dimensions of a matrix organization providing the correct skills and strategies to make it successful.” 

—Paula Santilli, CEO, PepsiCo Latin America and coauthor of El Poder de Poder: Mujeres Construyendo Latinoamérica

 

“Futterknecht and Seldman address the elephant in the room: the complexity within a matrix organization. Collaboration, respect, curiosity, and all the other attributes they analyze are spot-on to make the matrix work.”

—Monica Bauer, vice president of corporate affairs, PepsiCo Latin America and coauthor of El Poder de Poder: Mujeres Construyendo Latinoamérica

 

“John is the expert in helping leaders to navigate and thrive in matrixed organizations.  He has distilled his extensive experiences in coaching leaders and working with global organizations into highly practical advice and tips that leaders at all levels can pick up and use. The strength of John’s approach lies in addressing both the mindset and skillset for matrix success. And the skills really stick!  Whether you are a leader undertaking an operating model transformation or looking to optimize the effectiveness of your matrix organization, or a leader grappling with the challenges of leading within a new matrix, this book is for you. “

—Paula Coughlin, chief HR officer, Dixons Carphone, London

 

“This book isn’t for corporations alone. Even the challenges our planet faces today cannot be solved without collaborating beyond borders, across the global ‘matrix’. Whatever your chosen field, this book provides simple yet powerful tools to step-change your effectiveness and impact at every level—your company, your community, your country, and our world.”

—Sanjeev Chadra, former Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo Asia, Middle East, and North Africa

 

“Leading in the Global Matrix is a much-needed roadmap for leaders and aspiring leaders to gain guidance and valuable tools to effectively navigate an increasingly complex world of work while leveraging high impact communication, collaboration, and influencing skills to advance organizational and individual success. This book should be required reading for all leadership and management development programs—both in academic and corporate university settings. The guidance offered is nothing short of game changing!”

—Jovita Thomas-Williams, SPHR, GPHR, senior vice president of human resources,
Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts General Physicians Organization