U.S. Secret Service Offers Small Biz Lessons in Chain of Command

After a would-be assassin shot former President Trump at a July 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, calls for the resignation of the Secret Service director came fast and furious. 10 days after the shooting, Director Kim Cheatle was called to testify before Congress, and resigned a day later. While many questions had yet to be answered, one of the biggest questions centered around the chain of command—who was the on-site decision-maker, and to whom were they accountable? If you run a small business, you might do well to think about those questions in your own company.

The importance of the chain of command in law enforcement organizations like the US Secret Service is always highlighted more during and after high-stakes scenarios. For instance, the head of the US Secret Service faced significant scrutiny and accountability after President Reagan was shot in 1981, and ultimately resigned eight months later. In 2014, Secret Service Director Julia Pierson resigned following a series of security lapses, including an incident where an armed intruder entered the White House. This event underscored the critical role of a clear and effective chain of command in ensuring the safety and operational integrity of such organizations.

Chain of Command in Small Businesses

In your small business, the chain of command is essential for establishing clear lines of authority and accountability. It helps in defining roles and responsibilities, which in turn supports efficient decision-making and resource allocation. The hierarchical structure ensures that less experienced employees receive guidance and support from their superiors, fostering an environment of collaboration and safety.

If you run a business with very few employees, you might use a flatter hierarchy. While this enables quicker communication and decision-making, it could result in an increased workload for you or your managers.​

Chain of Command in Law Enforcement (US Secret Service)

In contrast, organizations like the US Secret Service are supposed to have a chain of command that’s more rigid and vertical. This structure is crucial for maintaining discipline, order, and clarity in high-stakes situations, like the recent assassination attempt on President Trump. This rigid structure allows for clear, authoritative decision-making and accountability. However, it can sometimes lead to slower communication and reduced flexibility in the field​​.

Comparison and Contrast

Like law enforcement agencies as well as large corporations, your small business can benefit from having a clear chain of command. However, the nature of their operations highlights why different-sized organization require different approaches to their chain of command:

1. Flexibility vs. Rigidity: Small businesses often adopt a flatter hierarchy for flexibility and quicker decision-making, while large agencies maintain a vertical structure to ensure strict adherence to protocols and clear command authority.
2. Communication Flow: In small businesses, a flatter hierarchy can speed up communication, enabling swift responses to market changes. In contrast, a vertical hierarchy ensures that information and commands flow through defined channels to maintain order and precision​.
3. Role of Middle Management: In small businesses, middle managers may take on multiple roles, whereas in large organizations, each level of management has specific, well-defined responsibilities to ensure clarity and accountability in operations​​.

Conclusion

Understanding these differences is crucial for applying best practices from each domain appropriately. Small businesses can learn from the disciplined structure of law enforcement to improve accountability and clarity, while law enforcement agencies can sometimes benefit from the flexibility and quicker communication seen in small businesses.