The 80/20 Rule

The phrase 80/20 rule gets used by a lot of pundits to describe "that 80 percent of all our results in business and in life stem from a mere 20 percent of our efforts."

The original 80/20 rule came from the Pareto Principal which talks about root cause analysis - 80% of effects come from 20% of the causes. 

My 80/20 Rule 
It has been my experience that the first 80% of any task or project takes 20% of the time - and - the last 20% of a task or project takes 80% of the time.

Here are some examples:

1. Trade partners (construction subcontractors) will get about 80% of the work done, leaving 20% to be found by others. 
2. Students will prepare for about 80% of the test material, hoping the last 20% will not be on the test. 
3. Kids will clean 80% of their room, and hide the last 20% under the bed or closet.
4. Team members are gung-ho to finish the first 80%, but have other priorities at the last 20%. 

Why Does the Last 20% Need the Most Attention? 
It needs the attention because that is where the 'finish' zone is. The finish zone is where all the: 

• Synthesis is done. 
• Customer receives the value of the service. 
• The job /task/project is DONE and COMPLETE. 

The last 20% may be the hardest part, but it is worthy of the same attention and dedication and thoughtfulness as the first 80%. Here are some strategies: 

1. Understand the last 20% will be harder and give it the appropriate amount of project time. 
2. Give the effort that is required. It is hard being the last 20% team member, but I say it is rewarding to be a part of the 'finishing' team. 
3. Use more checks and balances so the last 20% is not so much about fixing things (see Last Planner, Agile methodology, and writing effective requirements.)

Finally, the pundits say "that 80 percent of all our results in business and in life stem from a mere 20 percent of our efforts." I think here they are talking about most of our time in life and business is not spent in productive pursuits. How much time do we spend trying to find that email the boss sent out that he/she wants an answer on? Too much time, I agree.

A job worth doing is worth doing well (and to completion). Planning well and good execution are the keys to success. 

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David Haynes, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP
Ideate Director of Consulting

David is a Registered Architect, Project Management Certified Professional, who previously had his own architectural practice and was President of a commercial design-build construction company for 15 years. A graduate of University of Arizona, he has worked as an Architect, contractor, developer and as a national construction manager for a national retailer. David currently provides business process analysis, virtualization and change management solutions for AEC clients across the United States involved in the design and building industry. Follow David on Twitter: @dhaynestech 

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This post was originally published on David’s blog Connecting the [Data]…