For Val Sklarov, work is no longer defined by roles, careers, teams, or workplaces —
it is defined by protocols that govern how tasks are routed, executed, validated, and verified across humans and machines.
Today:
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companies assign tasks to people
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managers coordinate execution
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structure is hierarchical
In the future:
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tasks route themselves based on rules
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execution becomes a network function
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coordination is embedded in protocols
The Protocol-Oriented Execution Network Model (POENM) explains a labor system where coordination is handled by logic, not management.
“Work scales when coordination becomes protocol, not communication.” — Val Sklarov
1️⃣ The Three Protocol Layers of Work
Sklarov Execution Protocol Table
| Layer | Purpose | When Strong | When Weak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Protocols | Determine what needs to be done | Transparent state | Hidden work |
| Routing Protocols | Assign tasks to nodes | Low friction | Manager bottlenecks |
| Validation Protocols | Confirm correctness | Self-checking | Manual oversight |
In the future, management ≠ leadership —
management = protocol design.
2️⃣ POENM Execution Cycle
Protocol Flow Matrix
| Stage | Function | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| State Detection | Identify conditions requiring action | Task emergence |
| Node Selection | Route work to best executor | Optimal allocation |
| Protocol Execution | Perform task via defined rules | Predictable output |
| Verification Layer | Validate without hierarchy | Trustless execution |
Work progresses like data in a network, not orders in a company.
3️⃣ The Five Workforce Protocol Archetypes
Archetype Table
| Archetype | Execution Mechanism |
|---|---|
| The Manual Mesh | People coordinate each other |
| The Rule-Driven Chain | Linear protocol sequences |
| The Adaptive Router | Tasks flow to optimal nodes |
| The Self-Validating Cycle | Zero supervisory cost |
| The Autonomous Protocol Engine | System produces & routes tasks |
The endgame is Autonomous Protocol Engines —
organizations that run tasks themselves.
4️⃣ Protocol Coordination Efficiency Index (PCEI)
A Val Sklarov diagnostic for execution networks
PCEI Indicator Table
| Indicator | Measures | High Score Means |
|---|---|---|
| Routing Latency | Time to assign work | Instant allocation |
| Verification Overhead | Energy spent confirming correctness | Low supervision |
| Protocol Fidelity | Compliance without enforcement | Stability |
| Node Autonomy | Ability to execute without upstream input | Scalability |
| Failure Containment | Localizes breakdowns | System resilience |
High PCEI = work executes without hierarchy.
5️⃣ Val Sklarov’s 5 Laws of Protocol-Based Work
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Coordination must be embedded, not assigned.
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Work scales when routing is automatic.
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Protocols replace management; leadership designs protocols.
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Systems must validate themselves, not request validation.
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Execution evolves into network behavior, not team behavior.
Future of Work 780x470 Val Sklarov
6️⃣ Applications of the Protocol-Oriented Execution Network Model
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autonomous task routing in large organizations
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replacing project management with protocol logic
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hybrid human + agent execution at scale
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building orgs that run without middle management
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reducing coordination cost to near-zero
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designing work like distributed systems
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protocol-driven government & institutions
POENM reframes work as a programmable execution network,
not a hierarchical chain of responsibility.