Navigating virtual meetings in a matrixed organization

We hear from many in the Ragan community that muddled org structures make their jobs all the harder. While the centralized model tends to be preferred, some feel that a matrixed model — which refers to an org structure where teams report to multiple leaders—has the benefit of allowing for more integration with other departments like marketing, ensuring that earned and paid media coverage were consistent.

Of course, a matrixed model presents challenges for embedded communicators across the business and can rob them of their accountability back to the comms team. It can challenge the idea of a unified voice, a unified brand, and drive misalignment.

That’s where comms can help. And ensuring meetings are conducted effectively is a great place to start. Here are some tips for communicators hoping to make the most of their matrixed meetings.

Establishing a standard meeting framework in the invite

Whether you’re the one organizing a meeting or not, communicators can help ensure productivity by composing and socializing an organization-wide framework for meetings. This framework should require anyone hosting a meeting to clearly communicate the purpose and goals of the meeting in the invite.