The Arc of Fire – Where My Responsibility Begins and Ends
We recently performed a cultural assessment of a group of employees. Like you, I am always expecting to grow from the work I do. This occasion would afford me a new perspective. One of the team members and I had a conversation about the “Arc of Fire” as the military calls it. The arc refers to knowing my expected involvement and responsibility. I am clear about when to take my hands off and let others do their job.
The First Question: “Do I understand my job?”
I like to use the trusty 12 Questions developed by the Gallup organization to help define a teams’ cultural strength in the workplace. While this question may appear to be rather simple, no one likes the tension resulting from the various perceptions of the same job. The boss has her view, my colleague, his opinion, and finally, there is my perception of my job and my role.
The Meaning of the Arc of Fire
The “Arc of Fire” has to do with those in the Military, understanding their responsibility, where it ends, and where it begins.
At its core, the Arc of Fire is about establishing decision-making rights which can be as simple as explicitly authorizing who can make what decisions, why and, where.
Establishing valid decision rights can have a profound effect on a business and the teams working within it. It affects both the everyday operational effectiveness and overall strategic outcomes.
When he (the team member) was in the Military, my interviewee said he would give instructions to a soldier, or a team, that afforded them maximum decision-making power, and they thought of it in terms of their “Arc of Fire.” Knowing the boundaries helped them to make decisions in real-time, consistent with the overall strategic intent and choices appropriate to the developing situation.
Those Orders Would Include the Why, the Where, and The Arc of Fire.
- The why ensures that your team member is clear about their role in the team. They know how their particular job makes a unique difference and impacts those around them. Each team member adds to the overall success of the organization.
- The where describes where they fit into the team and who else they have around them and their assigned work. The goal here is to ensure that the person knows that they are part of a team.
- The Arc of Fire outlines the parameters of the person’s responsibilities, the boundaries of their role, and how they can act when they see the need.
Does Each Person on Your Team Understand Their Arc of Fire?
If you go to the trouble, take the time, and explain the concept, your team will act with greater authority and ownership over their accountabilities. They will involve you less, producing new and better results.
So, here is a quick review of how you achieve improved performance in the Arc of Fire.
- The Why: Explain to the team member the overall objective and how the big picture works.
- The Where: Show them the context of where they fit. In other words, they need to know (and see the logistics of how) they have a unique role in the equation. Help them see in what way their contributions will make a meaningful impact.
- Arc of Fire: Make clear and be sure they understand the boundaries within which they are free and expected to act. These boundaries are critical to aligning the actions of many people.
