Two bosses criticize an employee.Blaj Gabriel/Getty Images/iStockphoto
If you struggle with matrix management, having to report to more than one boss, consultant Susan Finerty has some advice based on the mathematical concept of the lowest common denominator.
That's the lowest number that two numbers can go into, and in a matrix situation you must find the lowest common denominator in terms of a boss, she writes on leadershipmutt.com.
Figure out who is the closest person both your bosses report to. If you are caught in a tussle between your dual reporting responsibilities, you don't want to immediately run to that lowest common denominator, but there will be times when he or she can help solve a problem.
Similarly, Ms. Finerty says you must look for the lowest common denominator in resolving conflicts in decision-making, goals and priorities. You might say, "I know we are on separate pages in terms of doing X or Y. But I think we all can agree that ultimately we want to get to Z." Find the most applicable, close-to-the-ground objective that all parties can agree on – the lowest common denominator – and work from there.
Harvey Schachter