1st Edition
The Self-Made Program Leader Taking Charge in Matrix Organizations
Almost all leadership books assume that the leader has authority over their team members. The challenge of project management in a matrix-structured environment is that this is not always the case. A whole new plan of attack has to be executed for the project manager to deliver in an organization where they do not have formal authority. This book takes a unique approach to understanding the matrix structure and the tactics needed to succeed.
The Self-Made Program Leader: Taking Charge in Matrix Organizations gives you insight into the minds of a group of 55 project, program, and portfolio managers who have worked in a matrix environment. It presents lessons learned from both their successes and failures. With this book, you will learn how to:
- Prepare for your leadership role in a matrix environment and understand what you need to improve
- Understand your organization’s structure and identify the hidden key players on your team
- Use volunteer-based roles to gain influence in your organization
- Build a coalition of key individuals, including decision makers, respected employees, and subject matter experts
- Understand the perception of your leadership style by your followers and position yourself so others are more willing to cooperate and comply with your requests
This goal of this book is to show a clear path for project, program, and portfolio managers to lead others within a matrix environment regardless of the industry or complexity. It shows you proven strategies and behaviors that you can use to successfully deliver your projects, programs, and portfolios.
What Got You Here Will Not Work Now
Preparing for Your Leadership Role
Understanding Your Organizational Structure
Far Reaching Area of Responsibility
Upper Reporting Relationship with Management
Horizontal Relationships
Core Accountabilities
Is Hierarchy the Problem?
The Hierarchical Solution
Horizontal or Flat Organizational Structures
The Six Bases of Power
Understanding Expectations
Managerial Relationships
Hidden Key Players in the Organization
Power Struggles
Gatekeepers
DNA of the Organization
Common Organizational Functions
Causes of Communications Breakdown
Gaining Influence through Volunteering
How to Make a Meaningful Contribution
Presentation Skills
Delegating Tasks
Being a Leader
Being a Team Player
Coaching Volunteers
Post Volunteering
Building Your Coalition
Preparation and First Steps
How to be a Politician
The Three Resources in Politics
Coalition Stalemates
Levels of Participation within a Coalition
Challenges Faced in Coalitions
Typical Problems for Many Coalitions
Attributes and Achievements of Successful Coalitions
How to Effectively Host a Meeting with Coalition
Mitigating Disagreements
Gaining Influence
Defining Your Goals and Priorities
Becoming Strategic
Ethics in Influencing Others
Meeting Potential Allies
Know Your Audience’s World
Organizational Currencies
The Modern Influencer
Four Things Really Persuasive People Do
Influence Styles
Conclusion
Leadership Perceptions for Those without Authority
The Impact of Leadership Perception Style and Use of Power
Analysis of 360° Feedback
Perception vs. Reality
Establishing Followership for Leaders without Authority
Cross-Cultural Variations in Leadership Perception
Leadership and Self-Perception
Charisma Authority
The Followers View of a Leader without Authority
Conclusion
Conclusion
What Are the Next Steps?
Biography
Steve Tkalcevich earned an MBA specializing in leadership from the University of Liverpool. He holds the PMP® designation from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Master Certificate in Six Sigma from Villanova University, and has a diploma in Microcomputer Management from Humber College in Toronto, Canada.
Tkalcevich has been working in the information technology sector since 2000. For the last several years he has been working for various web software development firms in project management roles. Prior to working in project management, Tkalcevich worked in information technology management for a leading wholesale firm in Canada. He was technical support supervisor for an Internet service provider and information technology consultant, which he started his career in.