Chain of command – noun and verb
"He (or she) who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command." Niccolo Machiavelli
The chain of command is a military term which translates to direct report in a private business. “Direct" or "Command" being the operative words, it is the direct reporting and responsibility (command) between two individuals – leader and led. We used chain of command in the military to establish crystal clear lines of authority and communication. Ambiguity surrounding who had authority and where orders came from was taboo in the military – get it wrong and mission failure and human life were at stake. I’ve carried this into my small businesses, and I preach it in my leadership practice. Who works for who and who orders what? Achieve clarity here. People want that.
I’ve seen violations of the chain of command. Startup businesses suffer from this. Individuals come together in rapid fashion behind an idea. Next thing you know, there are five or so people and nobody is in charge. I’ve also seen where one person may report to or receive orders from several people. There are alternatives to a clean line and block organizational structure or chain of command – flat and matrix organizations come to mind. I’m sure they work in some instances, but I haven’t yet found where those versions of a chain of command would be effective. If I’m a subordinate, I want to look upward and know who my supervisor is. I want to know that person, how they operate and do my best to serve them and the organization. If I’m the supervisor, I want to look downward and know who I’m responsible for. I want to know them and lead them as they should be led.
Noun. A person, place, or thing.
The chain of command is a thing. It should exist in some written form (organizational chart) for all to see. If I’m a leader in a company, and I encounter a problem I know Joseph can fix, I want to know where Joseph falls in the chain of command. I want to know who Joseph’s boss is. There is discipline required to create this thing called the chain of command. Often leaders want authority over people outside their direct lines. They may want to skip a few levels and have direct authority over individuals further down the chain. There is risk to this. Among other risks, the biggest ones are the confusion and overload it may create for an individual.
Verb. Action, state, or occurrence.
I also think of the chain of command as a verb. “Let’s implement the chain of command.” This action means leaders and subordinates follow and use the lines (chain) upward and downward when communicating and directing. If I need Joseph to do something and he is not in my chain, I activate the chain of command where I seek permission from his supervisor to direct Joseph or ask his supervisor to direct him. This allows Joseph’s supervisor to manage his task load and direct him appropriately instead of me doing it and mucking things up. If I’m the senior leader and Joseph has done wrong, I do not address him, I address his boss. I use or activate the chain of command to hold people responsible and instill discipline in my organization. Again, this is what people are looking for.
Leaders must first establish the ‘thing,’ the chain of command. Then they must activate it (enforce it) or place it into action. One might feel this is overthinking something which should be simple and intuitive. It is not. Leaders operate with more ease as they possess the authority to get done what they get done. Subordinates looking upward want the noun – the chain of command, so they have understanding and clarity. They also want the verb – leaders taking action, utilizing the chain of command for their benefit and the company’s benefit. Think of the nouns, act on the verbs. It’s good leadership.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell