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How Consultants Use the 80/20 Rule
A small share of causes usually drives most of the effect. Using that idea well is less about maths and more about courage.
The short version
The 80/20 rule says that a few inputs usually drive most of the outputs. A handful of customers bring most of the revenue. A few issues cause most of the complaints.
Consultants use it in two places. First in analysis: find the few things that explain most of the problem and go deep on those. Second in their own work: spend time on the slides and numbers that will change the decision, not on polishing everything.
The hard part isn't finding the 20%. It's being willing to ignore the 80%.
Try it now. Put this into practice with the 80/20 Focus Tool (coming soon).
What the full guide will cover
- Where the 80/20 idea comes from
- Using 80/20 to focus your analysis
- Using 80/20 to manage your own time
- When the rule breaks down
- A quick weekly 80/20 review