The 80/20 Rule

Hi Folks;

I was reminded yesterday that the old 80/20 rule applies in
almost every aspect of life.

I talk a lot about the 80/20 rule - or the Paretto Principle -
in connection with time management where I point out that
80 percent of the time you use produces only 20 percent of
the results you achieve, and its corollary, 20 percent of the
time you use produces 80 percent of your results.

In this case the principle manifested itself in a small
business organization to which I belong when we were
nominating people for our three person executive.

Several people declined nomination until I pointed out that
everyone who benefits from membership in the organization
should feel obligated to share the work required to make
the organization effective. Otherwise you're looking for a
free ride.

This is where the 80/20 rule comes in. In virtually every
service club or organization, 80 percent of the work is
done by 20 percent of the members. 80 percent of the
members get a "Free Ride." I don't believe that your
membership fee entitles you to that.

The serving president as Chair, pointed out that she would
prefer to have people decline nomination rather than to
accept, be elected and not do the job.

My position is still that the organization might be better off
without those members not prepared to accept the
responsibility to share the load. Membership requires -
demands, responsibility.

What do you think?

Do you have an example of the 80/20 principle in action?


Len McNally

PS.

Check out our "Products" page for e courses designed to
help you to become a more effective leader.