The 80/15/5 Rule

From The Simple-Minded Manager, Cutting Through Your Work-Life Chaos

When I first started working in the pharmaceutical industry, my company had a Research Director named Bill that I respected greatly. Somehow, even though he had a rigorous schedule, his door was always open. He seemed to always be aware of everyone's work.

One day I went to his office and said, "Bill, you obviously know the goals of my research and you keep abreast of my progress, but you never question my approach or techniques. Shouldn't you, as Research Director, be questioning me more?" He responded, "Forrest, this is your work. You are the expert. You are closest to the details. I am confident that if you conduct the research your way we have the highest probability of success. If you run into a dead end, come in and we will discuss your options in dealing with the problem."

Several months later, I went to Bill's office. I had been struggling with a technical problem for weeks and finally thought that I had turned the corner on its solution. I said, "Bill, you obviously could see that I was really challenged by this project, and yet you let me twist in the wind. Couldn't you have saved a lot of time by helping me solve the problem?" Bill responded immediately, "Forrest, this is your work. You are dedicated to it. Perhaps I could have intervened with a solution, but you learned so much by trying different approaches that will be productive for us in the future -- your way was better."

About six months after that, Bill unexpectedly called me to his office. He came immediately to the point, "Forrest, I noticed in your status report that you are taking a course of action that I know is unproductive and unprofitable for the organization. I want you to alter your approach. Let's discuss some alternatives." I was more than surprised, and said, "Bill, you always encourage me to do things my own way -- Why change now?" Bill said without hesitation, "Forrest, about 80% of the time your approach is best because you are the closest to the work and will do things your way with more enthusiasm. We both profit and so does the company. About 15% of the time, I might know a more efficient approach than you, but you will do things your way more enthusiastically. We both benefit and so does the company. But, 5% of the time, I know your approach will be disastrous. You will be harmed professionally, I will less effective managerially, and the company will not profit. This situation is in that 5%."

Years later I got the opportunity to take on managerial responsibilities. I followed Bill's 80/15/5 Rule for supervision and delegation. I discovered an extra benefit that he had not shared with me. By concentrating on that critical 5% and leaving people alone to manage the remaining 95%, not only were they were more motivated and productive, but I had a great deal more time to be creative and productive myself.

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