The 80/20 rule: application #256

 

It is right up there with the trusty Leatherman… the nifty thing you can count on: the 80/20 Rule.  While I am not a fan of “Rules”, this one works well often.  For example, for the past month or so I have been testing my own application of the 80/20 Rule in the field while working side by side with dozens of leaders.  My observations can be summed like this: 80 % of the “coaching” we offer our team members delivers 20% of the results.  Scanning my past 30 (gulp!) years of leadership experience, I found this “Rule” to hold true.  Hmmmmmm.

Reflect for a minute.  When does most of the “coaching” occur in your organization: “pre-game”, “during-game” or “post-game”?  Survey says: post-game.  I offer that the majority of “coaching” in our organizations is done AFTER the event, project, month, etc.  (annual reviews, anyone?)  So, if 80% of our coaching time is delivering 20% of the result, what is possible when we take on the “pre” and “during” coaching with intention?  Goldmine!  The nuggets in sum:

Pre and during

• Clarifies expectations and success metrics
• Defines milestones
• Celebrates small wins
• Navigates obstacles
• Helps team stay focused on the summit
• Results are created

Post

•  Offers recognition
• Identifies behaviors to replicate
• Highlights lessons learned
• Results are in

Don’t get me wrong.  “Post-game” reviews have benefit.  For bolder results, ask yourself this: what if 80% of the possible results your team may achieve is in your “pre” and “during” coaching hands?  I offer that it is.

Look, tens of thousands of hours of coaching take place well before that last minute play of the game.  The magic play drawn on the clip board with 1.6 seconds remaining cannot compare to the countless coaching moments it took everyone to get to that last important play.  I think we have some choices to make.  We can make commentary on the post-game scoreboard (a.k.a. ESPN at 3 a.m.) or we can bring our talent forward and radically improve the readiness and the execution capability of our team… coaching right there, in the mix, beginning well before the tip off.

20% of you will take action here… and that will likely deliver 80% of what’s possible.  I know where I am putting my money.  How about you?