The Self-Made Program Leader
Taking Charge in Matrix Organizations
Best Practices in Portfolio, Program, and Project Management Series

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.

Why What Got You There Will Not Work Now. Preparing for Your Leadership Role. Understanding Your Organizational Structure. Gaining Influence through Volunteering. Building Your Coalition. Gaining Influence. Leadership Perceptions for Those without Authority. Conclusion.

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.