Getting things back on track: Refer, Realign aiming posts.

How many times as a leader have you been plugging along, thinking things are all going according to plan, then something goes wrong? We’ve all been there! It’s in that moment that the waves of doubt, negative self talk, and catastrophizing come rushing in. If you allow yourself to get stuck in that mindset it can derail forward progress and that is a much bigger problem. The reality is things are going to shift and change. Rarely do plans come to fruition without having to adapt. Sometimes that change is as simple as how you are viewing the problem and adjusting your perspective.

I’ll give you an example. In the Infantry there are mortar teams. These individuals are tasked with providing timely and accurate indirect fire to support assaulting elements, or for defensive operations. When used in a conventional manner a mortar team or platoon may occupy the same firing point for hours, days, weeks, even months. There are a variety of things that can impact their ability to function. Everything from the weather to how soft the ground is comes into play and there are mitigating factors and solutions to dealing with those issues. One of those is realigning their aiming posts.

Since the mortar teams aren’t always in a position to physically see their targets, they use aiming posts as a reference. When used correctly these posts allow the teams to fire in 360 degrees, up to 7,200 meters (that’s almost 4.5 miles for those of you keeping score) accurately. Over time, due to the base plate of the mortar system settling, among other things. the sight picture using these aiming posts becomes skewed and less accurate. Big problem right? We’re slinging big boom over 4 miles, we better make sure it’s accurate.

Since being able to move is not always an option, and not providing those indirect fires is never an option, as solution was created. Instead of totally displacing or, there by compromising coverage, the team simply adjusts their perspective. This is done by using a refer deflection and realigning their aiming posts accordingly. The refer deflection is in the general direction that fires will be needed, based enemy and friendly positions. Failure to account for those things could result in collateral damage and loss of life. Once everyone is looking in the right direction again, the team simply replaces their posts at the new reference point and continues mission.

Problems in the work place are no different. The desired end state doesn’t change just because the situation has changed or a problem has arisen. You can’t just abandon it and leave things incomplete. There are other teams counting on your success. The mission still needs to be accomplished! So instead of losing that forward momentum take the time to realign.

First identify the problem. Make sure the entire team is aware of the issue to mitigate things getting worse(collateral damage). Then take a moment to realign the team. Make sure everyone is aiming back in the direction of your target, your organizational end state. Then run out those aiming posts! In this case time bound bench marks to achieve, that will keep them aimed in the direction.

So, next time you find yourself in a position where the operational environment has changed, don’t start catastrophizing! Take a deep breath, refer back to the original goal, and realign!