Managing the Matrix

Managing the Matrix – Dawn Metcalfe (Wiley, £18.99)

This book is about how to thrive and survive if you’re employed at a “matrix” organisation. Put simply, if you work for a large firm with multiple bosses and different workflows you are operating in the matrix. It can pull you in many directions with lots of contradictory objectives and priorities.

The author wrote this as a mentoring conversation. She takes the mentee on a journey from cynic to champion and shows how a great mentor can really help you in your career. There is much focus on emotional intelligence and how by understanding the matrix you can build better relationships, become an influencer and recognise not just your own emotional behaviour, but that of others. She describes how change is a constant in our lives but that, with a little support, you’ll quickly realise you already have the tools to deal with it.

Well worth a read, especially if you are considering a mentoring relationship.

Debs Eden, Founder, Bristol PA Network