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Leading in the Global Matrix

Proven Skills and Strategies to Succeed in a Collaborative World

Marty Seldman author John Futterknecht author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:BenBella Books

Published:13th Feb '20

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Leading in the Global Matrix cover

Enter the matrix . . . and discover a whole new reality for your organization.

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—including PepsiCo, Disney, McDonald's, and Microsoft—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.

"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."

Peter Gibbons, CEO, TireHub

"A must-read for any aspiring leader seeking to jumpshift their effectiveness." 

Michael White, former CEO, DIRECTV

"Leading in the Global Matrix . . . proves the value of the matrix and gives leaders an inspiring and actionable road map 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 executive, PepsiCo 

"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, and former WW VP of Talent Management and chief learning officer, BD

"An essential read, providing the latest thinking and a practical guide for leaders who need to succeed and unlock the full potential of working in 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 deep familiarity with the subject and privileged position when openly talking with thousands of executives from all over the world about the challenge of succeeding in a matrix organization, John and Marty were able to grant us with an amazing set of tools to efficiently navigate in matrix organizations, securing we know what to do and, most important, how to do it!" 

André Machado Fonseca, president, QMC Telecom do Brasil

"Whether you are in a private equity turnaround or a global corporation, this book provides a road map 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 where 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

"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 . . . It's the answer we've all been looking for!"

—Dianne DeSevo, global chief HR officer, Engine Group

"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

ISBN: 9781948836494

Dimensions: 236mm x 157mm x 24mm

Weight: 408g

256 pages