80/20 Principle "The Good"

Many of you have heard of the 80/20 Principle as it relates to money, people and time. If you are unaware of this principle it is derived from an Italian Economist, Vilfredo Pareto who discovered this concept in the early 1900’s. The bottom line is that if we streamline and focus our attention/efforts on our highest priorities (that top 20%) then we will achieve 80% of the desired results. I would like to take this a step further, as it relates to ministry and people that you interact with/supervise in your profession.

There will generally be 10% of people that really love you or what you’re doing, 10% that really dislike you or what you are doing and this makes up that (20%). The other 80% are generally comfortable with you and your direction. In ministry, that 80% will return and support you each and every week. The wisdom in those numbers, is that you shouldn’t listen to your biggest naysayer’s nor your biggest fans. I have read different research that translates the 80/20 principle into modern life applications. Below, I have listed my top 10 of “The Good,” several of which are my personal thoughts.

1. Fishing- 20% of fisherman catch 80% of the fish.
2. College Football- 20% of the universities play in the championship game 80% of the time.
3. Time- 20% of employees perform 80% of the work.
4. Leaders- 20% of leaders make 80% of tough decisions.
5. Business- 20% of the businesses’ receives 80% of business.
6. Church Giving/Serving- 20% of the people give/serve 80% of the money/time.
7. Blogs- 20% of blogs receive 80% of blog readers.
8. Reading- 20% of the book provides 80% of the memorable content.
9. Sermons- 20% of the message provides 80% of the life application.
10. World Changers- 20% of Christ Followers do 80% the World Changing.

It seems as though this principle can be applied to almost anything.  A question that we should ask ourselves is; “Am I in that 20% of The Good?”

Any other 80/20 principle “The Good” thoughts that you would like to share?  Please don’t hesitate to comment, remember 20% of blog readers make 80% of the comments. BigIsTheNewSmall

  • ostate17

    i’d say this is a good rule of thumb. i only do housework 20% of the time and my wife is quick to notice 80% of the time. lol

  • Heady

    Man, I can’t think of one. Fast Company has an article on Brand Obama that brings up the 80/20. I just finished reading it. I’m out!

  • http://www.jframe.net Jason

    I know that at the church I last served as a Stewardship pastor, 80% of the tithes and offerings came from approx 20% of the families with recorded gifts. I think that is pretty standard around the church world, unfortunately.

  • http://solshine7.blogspot.com SolShine7

    This reminds me of the scene from Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?” when the guys talk about this 80-20 principle when it comes to marriage and fidelity. Great stuff! That movie was fun but it still had its poignant moments.

    Anyone else a fan of Tyler Perry’s films?

  • http://jameyjohnson.org jamey johnson

    John Maxwell turned me on to this principle about 7 years ago…great principle. However, you fogot one Scott, 20% of the church folks eat 80% of the food at the annual church potluck (it stinks!)…you know when Brother Johnson goes for his third helping in fifteen minutes.

  • http://bigisthenewsnall.com scott williams

    Thanks for the comments!

    Solshine- I like tyler’s movies; I took my entire staff to see Why Did I Get Married?

  • http://www.abeautifulimageblog.com ~abi~

    your blogs are always thought-provoking. {even the sonic vs starbucks one!:)}

  • http://ichilly.typepad.com Chilly

    I only read 20% of this post… and I’ll probably only tell you 80% of what I’m thinking. So, how screwed up am I? Be honest, I can take it!

  • http://jthelmsdeep.blogspot.com Joseph

    Great post. Love the principle!

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