Only 20 percent of the things you do produces 80 percent of the results. This rule can be applied in various situations, from your work to your relationships. Therefore you should try to use the 80/20 rule to maximize productivity, by finding out what actions fall into that 20 percent category, and putting more emphasis on those activities.
If you use it wisely, the 80/20 rule can dramatically improve yout time management and your performance at your job. It doesn't matter where you apply it, from the board room to the mail room or to the lunch room: this time management principle will help you finish your tasks in less time and achieve your career goals.
Experts say that the key to success changes very little within a given profession. No matter what the business is, it has two main objectives: profit and customer retention. The only thing that differs among professions is how these main objectives are adapted to match the specific objectives of each trade.
But how does the 80/20 rule influence different job categories? The owner/executive of a business has the role of thinking of the vision, goals and benchmarks of the business. He must define what the core purpose of the business is, what are its main weaknesses, and how can these problems solved? His job is to set the objectives for the next period.
For salespeople, lead generation is bringing 80 percent of your return. If you don't have new leads and there are no new markets, you will be sticking to your current clients, and you will not be able to move forward. Therefore your top priority is to conduct sales appointments and build personal relationships, so your time management should reflect this. Your existing clients also follow the 80/20 rule: 20 percent of them contribute to 80 percent of your revenue, so you shouldn't forget about them.
Those in management positions will find their vital 20 percent and time management priority in the coaching and development of employees, giving them new skills, attitude and actions to be able to advance in their careers. It is also very important to monitor the adherence of your staff to the strategic plans of the company.
Task- or service-based roles vary the most, because this group of people is the broadest. Here you can have the bigger picture about your vital tasks if you take a look at the objectives of your company, your department's objectives and your own objectives. This way you can decide which of your job responsibilities will increase sales or improve customer retentions, and plan your time management accordingly.
