When I talk to groups about this structure, I draw a picture. The picture makes it simple. It is the fundamental building block for any organization engaged in productive work. It clearly defines the role of the worker, the supervisor and the manager. This is simple, fundamental, but most companies don’t “get it.” Once you “get” this, you can build infrastructure in any organization.

The picture is a triangle with three levels.
On the top level is the – Manager
On the middle level is the – Supervisor
On the bottom level is the – Worker.

The role of the Worker is to “do the work.” The Worker uses machines, equipment and tools to “do the work.”

The role of the Supervisor is to “make sure the work gets done.” The Supervisor uses checklists, schedules and spec sheets, observes production, marks completion, inspects quality. The Supervisor coordinates, checks available material and labor, re-sequences production to meet the deadline. The role of the Supervisor is to “make sure the work gets done.”

The role of the Manager is to “create and maintain systems in which the work is done.” The Manager uses flow charts, capacity grids and budgets. The Manager plays “what if,” anticipates problems, creates contingency work programs, looks for bottlenecks, designs and tests sequence for efficiency, time and motion. The role of the Manager is to “create and maintain systems in which the work is done.”

These are the keys to the Kingdom.

This is so fundamental that most companies miss it. When I inspect their job descriptions and review their organization charts, I see a big chocolate mess. And they wonder why things are so screwed up. Get this right, and you will have the basic building block to create the infrastructure you need in your company.