Thanks to all those who helped Florida weather this Hurricane. All eyes and prayers now on the people of New Orleans.

Last week we spent time talking about the distinct differences between the role of the supervisor and the role of the manager. We had a couple of thought provoking posts from Karen about the subject. First was a distinct analogy about doing the work efficiently vs. doing the work effectively. Her second post characterized the nature of the work of a manager.

It is important to understand the three distinct strata that make up this internally focused basic business unit. Strata I does the work. Strata II makes sure the work gets done. Strata III creates the system and makes the system better.

Each Strata is of vital importance. Where there are gaps in Strata I, it pulls the Strata II Supervisor into doing the work. When that happens, no one is checking to make sure that all the work gets done.

Where there are gaps in Strata II, it pulls the Strata III Manager into making sure the work gets done. When that happens, no one is checking the system, which ultimately begins to crumble.

Getting this structure straight and strong is the fundamental building block for a productive organization. -TF