GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

The Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)Introduction Have you ever noticed around your house--x You use one entrance most of the time?x Carpets are located only in certain areas?x Most of your phone calls are to the same people?The answers lie in an amazing statistical axiom: the Pareto Principle.Definition:ParetoPrincipleThe Pareto Principle (80/20 rule): Things exist and events occur in a pattern.We can sort these things and events into two piles: the trivial many and the vitalfew, roughly in a ratio of 80/20.ExamplesExamples of the Pareto Principle:80 percent of Can be traced to 20 percent ofAuto salesAuto dealers.Phone callsCallers.CrimesCriminals.GrievancesEmployees.Total corporate wealthCorporations.ApplicationUse this principle to set priorities and wrap your arms around your workload.Focusing on 20 percent of jobs and people involved will account for 80 percentof your effectiveness.ExamplesExamples of applying the 80/20 rule to your work:x A few key people will provide most information you need. Don't spend toomuch time with the others to get a little bit more.x If working on several jobs, don't give them all equal attention; some will beimportant, but most will be routine.x Give maximum time to the vital few tasks.x Give minimum time to the trivial many.x Work on tough jobs when most alert and routine jobs when least alert.x Focus on strengths--areas where you excel, perhaps in writing or speaking.x Spend only enough time on weaknesses to shore them up--to the point wherethey don't erode strengths.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 3-16