They Just Don't Get It!

The problem isn't that they "don't get it." The problem is that in a matrix, the "it" is different for each function. Unless someone bridges those differences, the conflicts all show up in the same place: on the shop floor. Leading Through Influence This is where John Maxwell's principle comes in: "Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less." In a matrixed organization, authority is limited. Influence is not. The site leader's role isn't to fight with other functions. It's to build a coalition across them, reframing problems in ways that reveal the shared interest. That's how cross-functional win-wins are created. When the Matrix Works Our ongoing elephant hunting process uncovered several improvement opportunities that touched multiple functions. Excessive changeover time, reactive scheduling, material issues, and outdated quality standards were all making it harder for the plant to stay in run.

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