Managing in the Middle While Mastering the Matrix (02X)

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the pace of change and necessity for continuous innovation are unprecedented. This heightened demand has significantly increased pressure on organizations, particularly within matrixed structures where responsibilities and reporting lines are multifaceted. Many healthcare executives find themselves in the challenging position of leading from the middle, navigating complex environments, while striving to balance the expectations of senior leadership with the operational realities faced by front-line staff. Middle managers have one of the toughest yet most critical roles in organizations as they serve as advocates for their employees, translators of organizational priorities, and partners to other departments to get vital work done. Additionally, highly matrixed organizations can often lead to confusion and conflict due to dual reporting lines and competing priorities.

Amid this turbulence, supporting employees' well-being and addressing burnout has never been more critical. The combined challenge of maintaining high performance while ensuring the health and resilience of the workforce underscores the importance of robust support systems and proactive management strategies. According to a recent Gallup poll, managers account for 70% of the variance in their teams' engagement. Another Gallup poll reports that middle managers experience more stress and burnout than the people they manage.

This session will address these challenges by providing practical strategies to manage complexity, enhance communication and ensure strategic alignment. Participants will gain tools to mitigate burnout and foster a balanced, productive work environment. This session will equip healthcare executives, in roles where they find themselves managing from the middle, with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and excel in complex matrix organizations. Participants will be prepared to lead their teams with confidence, foster collaboration and drive their organizations toward sustained success.