Gillian Martin discusses how a chain of command in organizations can become a shackle that stifles creativity, restricts expression, and lowers morale when ideas from lower hierarchical levels are not welcomed. To prevent this, she suggests encouraging freedom of expression through methods like suggestion boxes, open door policies, and empowerment. Ultimately, fostering an environment that allows for creativity and quick solutions is essential for organizational improvement.

1. When
the
‘Chain’
Becomes a
Shackle
By Gillian Martin
Trainer, Speaker & Social Entrepreneur
Captivating Solutions Consultancy

2. Many organizations are characterized by a
Chain of Command in which there is a line of
authority extending from persons at the top of
the hierarchy to those at the bottom

3. Persons at the lower end are aware of the
channels they must go through in order for
decisions to be made

4. A chain of command clearly reduces the
likelihood of chaos and promotes a structured
style of decision making

5. However, it must be noted that this ‘chain’ can
become a shackle

6. When the ‘chain’ becomes a shackle, persons
are restricted

7. When persons are restricted, their ideas might
not be welcomed by members at the upper
end of the hierarchy

8. This could result in the organization being
robbed of creativity

9. When the chain becomes a shackle, it inhibits
the use of quick solutions to improve internal
operations and service

10. When the chain becomes a shackle,
there is deterioration in satisfaction
and morale

11. In order to prevent the ‘chain’ from becoming
a shackle, greater freedom of expression must
be encouraged in organizations

12. This can be achieved with the implementation
of the following:
• Suggestion boxes
• Rewards for valuable suggestions
• ‘Open door’ policy
• Meetings with action plan
• Surveys
• Greater empowerment of persons

13. In his popular speech, “I Had a Dream”, Martin
Luther King Jr. repetitively begged: “let
freedom ring”

14. If an organization is to truly benefit from the
creativity of its members, there must be a
willingness to “let freedom ring”

15. All honour be to the Lord Jesus Christ for
making this presentation possible

16. Captivating Solutions Consultancy is the provider
of over 200 training programmes for churches.
Some of the programmes include:
Organizational Culture: “Your Mark, Your
Message”
Leadership: “The Anchor”
Team Building: “Harmony at Work”
Attaining Team Goals: “Momentum
Maintained – Goal Attained II”
Capacity Building: “Fully Loaded”
Communication Skills: “Communicate.
Connect. Collaborate.”