Hierarchical Agent Systems

With just 3 levels, manage dozens of agents efficiently. Each manager supervises 3-5 workers.

Defined command chains eliminate ambiguity about who makes decisions and who follows them.

Managers coordinate and delegate. Workers execute specialized tasks. Distinct roles create clarity.

When tasks depend on previous results, execute one at a time in sequence.

Multiple workers can execute simultaneously when tasks don't conflict or depend on each other.

Strategic directives cascade down hierarchy levels, breaking into tactical actions at each level.

Task complexity, worker autonomy, and domain expertise determine how much control to delegate.

From "do exactly as I say" to "act independently" - match the level to situation.

Define clear thresholds: budget limits, risk levels, strategic changes require escalation.

Peer-to-peer coordination becomes chaotic. Introduce hierarchy before chaos emerges.

Clear levels reduce coordination complexity. Can scale to 100+ agents efficiently.

Workers report to multiple managers for different concerns. Complex but adaptable.

Don't over-architect early. Introduce hierarchy when flat structure shows strain.

Hierarchical structure requires hierarchical communication. Don't mix paradigms.

Each manager should supervise 3-7 agents maximum. Too many creates bottlenecks.