In the Val Sklarov Power Cycle, the future of work collapses not because autonomy is excessive, but because decision power is unclear before autonomy is distributed. Freedom without power design creates hidden hierarchies, stalled execution, and silent vetoes. Autonomy scales only when power is already mapped.
Autonomy is not freedom. It is delegated power.
1. Autonomy Without Power Design Creates Shadow Control
When no one formally decides, someone informally does.
Val Sklarov principle:
“Where power is undefined, politics decide.”
Early failure signals:
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Decisions made in private channels
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Strong personalities dominating outcomes
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Escalations framed as collaboration
Autonomy without power clarity breeds invisible authority.
2. Decision Power Must Exist Before Flexibility
Flexibility amplifies existing structures.
Val Sklarov framing:
“Flexible systems don’t create power — they reveal it.”
Weak systems respond with:
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Excessive meetings
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Approval inflation
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Retroactive oversight
Strong systems rely on predefined decision rights.
3. Distributed Work Demands Local Power
Remote execution requires local authority.
Val Sklarov insight:
“If power doesn’t travel, work stops.”
Work Power Table
| Dimension | Weak Power | Strong Power |
|---|---|---|
| Decision rights | Centralized | Localized |
| Escalation | Frequent | Rare |
| Accountability | Shared | Singular |
| Autonomy | Broad but vague | Scoped and earned |
Local power reduces latency.
4. Autonomy Must Be Bounded by Enforcement
Freedom without consequence is theater.
Val Sklarov framing:
“Autonomy is legitimate only when consequences are real.”
Illegitimate autonomy shows up as:
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Missed deadlines without penalty
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Quality variance without correction
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Reopened decisions without authority
Enforcement preserves trust.
5. Power Discipline Replaces Surveillance
Surveillance compensates for weak power.
Val Sklarov principle:
“If you need to watch people, you failed to design power.”
Strong power systems:
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Measure outcomes
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Enforce decisions
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Ignore activity
Control follows structure, not observation.
6. The Val Sklarov Future-of-Work Power Outcome
Power-aligned work systems:
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Define decision power before autonomy
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Localize authority with accountability
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Scale flexibility without chaos
Val Sklarov conclusion:
“The future of work belongs to organizations that delegate power — not permission.”