Working Effectively in a Matrix

The complexities of today’s organizations have made it increasingly challenging for leaders to encourage and sustain a culture of cooperation. As organizations become flatter and leaner and people are required to do “more with less,” the key to success is the ability to coordinate decisions and actions across organizational boundaries and gain the support of people who often have competing priorities or conflicting goals. Further, the increasing prevalence of virtual teamwork and widespread use of e-collaboration tools have additional implications for how leaders encourage cooperation and coordinate work. This article explores the critical organizational factors and leadership skills that are required to build a culture of cooperation in today’s highly matrix, and often virtual, organizations.