Managing in the Middle While Mastering the Matrix

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.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the challenges that being a middle manager presents and discuss how to reframe these challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
• Discuss the mindset and skill set required to manage effectively in the middle in a matrixed organization, including how to manage vertically and laterally while still being your authentic self.

Speakers:

Caroline S. Russell, FACHE
Administrator
Mayo Clinic in Florida

Adia K. Ross, MD
CMO
Advocate Health-High Point Regional Hospital

Kimberly Adelman, PhD, FACHE
Principal
ECG Management Consultants

Continuing Education Credit

ACHE Qualifying Education Credit

This recording is eligible for 1 ACHE Qualifying Education credit.

ACHE Education credits will be automatically updated in your My ACHE account upon completion of the recording.

Interprofessional Continuing Education Credit

In support of improving patient care, the American College of Healthcare Executives is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive a maximum of 1 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credit for learning and change. For further information about Joint Accreditation credits and certificates, please click here.

Physician Continuing Medical Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Continuing Nursing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 contact hours of continuing nursing education.

Continuing Pharmacy Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing pharmacy education credit. 

Continuing Social Work Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives designates this knowledge-based activity for a maximum 1 contact hours of continuing social work education credit.

Physician Associate/Physician Assistant Continuing Education

The American College of Healthcare Executives has been authorized by the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. This activity is designated for a maximum of 1 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.