Welcome to the Matrix! No, not the mind-bending world of Neo and Morpheus, but the ever-enigmatic realm of matrix organisations. If you are bewildered by this organisational structure where bosses seem to multiply like rabbits and reporting lines crisscross like a tangled spaghetti bowl, fear not! I’ve got your back with a lighthearted guide to surviving a matrix organisation and emerging with your sanity (mostly) intact.
Embrace the Multiverse of Bosses
In a matrix organisation, you may have more bosses than you can count. It’s like having a lineup of supervisors ready to give you tasks from different dimensions. Instead of being overwhelmed, consider it an opportunity to showcase your time management skills. Juggling priorities from various bosses can feel like playing a boss-level video game, so channel your inner superhero and conquer the multiverse of bosses like the managerial ninja you are!
Decode the Alphabet Soup of Acronyms
Love or hate them; matrix organisations are notorious for their love of acronyms. They have a secret society with an affinity for TLAs (Three-Letter Acronyms). From PMO and KPI to ROI and EOD, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a cryptic crossword puzzle. Embrace the challenge! Create your acronym dictionary and share it with colleagues. I know one company that created this dictionary in its knowledge base and makes it available to newbies. So, ask around. Someone might have one already. Soon, you’ll be fluent in “Matrix Speak” and ready to decode the alphabet soup like a linguistic wizard.
Master the Art of Matrix Diplomacy
In the matrix, diplomacy is your superpower or at least a learned superpower! With overlapping responsibilities and multiple stakeholders, conflicts can erupt like popcorn on an open fire. But fear not! Become the mediator extraordinaire, resolving disputes with a wave of your metaphorical peacemaking wand. The key is to be as diplomatic as Switzerland during a world summit. Tactful communication and active listening can turn you into the Yoda of matrix diplomacy.
Unleash the Matrix Networking Power
Matrix organisations are about networking. It’s like a social mixer on steroids, where you interact with colleagues from various departments like they’re the latest internet sensation. Embrace these encounters as opportunities to learn, share ideas, and forge alliances. Soon, you’ll have a matrix network so strong that even LinkedIn will be envious. And your colleagues will ask you for tips. Or throw you under the bus because they think you are AK (ass-kissing). Either way, a great way to learn.
Find Your Neo Moment
Everyone has a Neo moment when they realise their true potential. Take the red pill and discover your unique skills and strengths. You might be the code-cracker, the relationship builder, or the innovation guru. Embrace your inner Neo, and the matrix will reward you for your expertise. This is another way of saying, absolutely lean into it and enjoy the discovery of who you can be.
Beware the Meetings Vortex
Matrix organisations have a peculiar affinity for meetings as if they’re trying to break the record for the most weekly meetings. But don’t let meetings devour your precious time! Be the meeting ninja, attending only those that add value to your quest. And when you’re chairing a meeting, make it efficient and engaging so everyone leaves feeling like they’ve slayed the dragon of unproductivity. This is your leadership moment. Embrace it.
Celebrate the Matrix Victories
Amidst the complexity and chaos, don’t forget to celebrate the wins! Whether it’s successfully navigating a complicated project or surviving a meeting marathon unscathed, pat yourself on the back and share the joy with your colleagues. Celebrate the victories, no matter how small, and you’ll create a positive energy that permeates the entire matrix (more on this in next week’s blog).
Final thoughts
Thanks to all my fellow matrix travellers who have traversed this road with me and taught me a few things. I am better for having worked with you. We kept our sense of humour and thrived along the way. x
And to those going in for the first time, fear not the labyrinth of Matrix organisations! Embrace the challenge, unleash your inner superhero, and remember, in the end, it’s all part of the adventure.
Happy navigating, and may your journey through the matrix be filled with laughter, lessons and great connections!
If you want to learn more about thriving in a matrix organisation, please let me know in the comments, and I can write more about this topic. It’s the way of many organisations and can have many benefits, such as better communication, collaboration, and creativity.
And as always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
Until next time.
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