Strategic Line-Of-Sight
The Radio Reconnaissance Platoon is a highly specialized unit of the United States Marine Corps. They endure extremely grueling physical training in preparation for the tactical reconnaissance work they’ll be required to perform. In addition, they train in the use of handheld and manpac radio units used to maintain communications with the Command Post (CP) while executing missions in the field.
One of the constant challenges they face is called line-of-sight. In order for the radio operator to establish and maintain a clear radio signal from CP he is required to find a position that will limit the number of obstructions between his unit and the CP. Excessive obstructions can block the signal and prevent the reconnaissance team from communicating with CP. A loss of communication can result in a loss of real-time direction, coordination, and united effort.
All organizations rely on a clear and unobstructed line-of-sight just as much as the United States Marines do. In order to maintain a united effort, every employee within your organization must have a clear line-of-sight from his or her daily responsibilities to the high-end vision, mission, and strategic objectives of the organization. This means that each employee must have a clear understanding of how his or her daily efforts are contributing to the united effort of the organization as a whole. Every employee must have regular confirmation that his or her unique contribution is needed and valued.
One of the tactics a Radio Reconnaissance Marine will use to maintain line-of-sight is to regularly observe landmarks in the physical terrain and mark the position of those landmarks in relation to the Command Post. Your organization can use this same tactic by utilizing the natural breaks of the existing organizational structure as clearly recognizable landmarks. Individual responsibilities and daily tasks should be clearly aligned with unit goals, division goals, department goals, corporate strategic objectives, and the ultimate vision and mission of the organization. It is critical that every employee have a clear understating how his or her unique contribution is supporting the goals, objectives and mission of the organization at every level. A loss of line-of-sight will leave an employee feeling lost in the organization. Desperately searching for connection to the team or possibly even considering connecting to a new team.
Aligning the responsibilities of each employee with the strategic mission of the organization will not only maintain a strong united effort but will also reinforce a sense of community. It communicates to each employee that he or she is needed and valued. It satisfies the deep-rooted human need to belong. As with the Radio Reconnaissance Marines, establishing and maintaining line-of-sight, especially during challenging times, tells your employees what they long to hear... I am with you and you are with me.
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