Chain of Command

I always enjoy debates about the chain of command concept.  I’ve found most people are completely fine with chain of command as long as things are good (for them).  The minute situations turn sour, then employees question why chain of command exists.

Obviously, there are two directions in the chain of command.  Up and down.  Most of the time, people think first of the upward direction.  You know, “when you have an issue…take it to your boss.”  There are some exceptions to this, usually surrounding issues of discrimination, retaliation, or harassment, where it’s been documented that you can bypass your immediate supervisor for another representative of management.

I’m sure some people think it’s a pain in the ass when they’re asked told to follow the chain of command and address the issue with their boss.  But if you think about it…there’s a reason for that.  You’d like to think your boss knows the most about you, your job, your work situation, etc.  Asking someone else to make a decision might not be fair – to you or them.  Not to mention your boss who looks bad because you didn’t give them a chance.

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