Recent reviews
The virtual modality didn't seem necessary for the goals of the session since there was not an opportunity to apply the tools for our context. Reading about the tools could have been sufficient and could have been completed asynchronously/individually. Note that providing reading materials would be necessary so that there is a common understanding across the team*. Synchronous time could be prioritized instead for guided application/practice of the tools in our context. While the session led to an awareness of the tools it will be through application that the team will actually learn. Suggest that the trainer understand the shift for our group and the dynamics of those participating. We are not joining from multiple organizations so that customization could be included in the training. For example, when discussing stakeholders we could skip to a focus on working with internal stakeholders in a matrix setting since that is the reason we are attending. *Many of the tools were not new to me but, even so, I would benefit from a review and clear guidance on each through the provided reading.
The trainer was very knowledgeable and gracious in answering team questions. This training is meant as introductory training to Matrix organization, but in talking to team members there were still a lot of questions of what matrix means/how it works. Time at the beginning talking about people pleasing could have been incorporated later after ensuring team had more context about what matrix is and why organizations choose to organize that way, what types of matrix structures are there. Seeing case studies of similar orgs that used matrix and how they used that to solve problems--and potential challenges they faced, would also have given much more context and clarity before discussing the tools (power grids, circles of influence, etc.) I would reorganize the structure of training to make it more effective for this audience
Brilliant course which had taught and reinforced my style