The 10-70-20 rule

We all have heard of the 80-20 rule, which is - That 20% people in an organization do 80% of the job. 

After heading many outfits and big teams in my career, I would like to introduce the 10-70-20 rule. In an organization, 20% people are very good. They go beyond the call of duty, are conscientious, efficient and productive.

70% are the ordinary and average. They lack initiative and do the bare minimum to get by. Although, these people may produce excellent work under supervision and sometimes under threat. But on their own, they do not show enthusiasm or a zeal for work.

The last 10% are the problem-creators. The head of the organization is better off without them. Just their removal from the team will improve the the work environment and will improve the efficiency by 15-20%. 

So, how do you as a leader deal with this situation? 

Your have the responsibility of making your outfit happy and productive. Take charge and initiate steps to get the best out of your team. Align them to the organizations goal by making them realize that in the big show, their task is as important as any other. Employees who know how their work has a meaningful, positive impact on others are not just happier than those who don't; they are vastly more productive, too. Once they can sense the relation of their work with the sales figure or the brand building, they will be charged up to give their best. This is not difficult provided you connect with the people on ground and set personal examples. 

To increase the engagement at work, one can do many other things such as, removing layers (and buffers), reinforcing integrators, empowering managers, creating feedback loops, reward those who co-operate and viceversa etc...

But, the main task is to create the right work environment, to create harmony, to infuse espirit-de-corps. To make your outfit an inspiring place to work. You are like a farmer who creates the right condition for the crop to grow. You love your people and you love your work.

A lot is spoken about leadership now-a-days. In one word, a leader has 'Character'. And he has his heart in the right place. (More on leadership in  a separate post).

Coming to the specifics of running your organization with the above mix of people.

First, do not over-burden the 20% lot to achieve your targets. Appreciate their good work and acknowledge it openly, without being sarcastic to the balance 80%. Ensure their career progression. You will notice that managing this lot takes very little of your time.

The balance 80% need your help. So help them to reach their full potential. I call this process-'blossoming'. Again, there is no standard solution as leadership is a style. It is unique to you. I have been doing the following things:

1. Give authority and make them accountable. Empower them first. 
2. Centralize goal setting and de-centralize decision making.
3. Connect with them. Your task is not to wield authority from the corner cabin, but to integrate your team. Just listen to them. People want to be heard. Dive into their lives, hopes and aspirations. Build trust. Ask them, where do they see themselves going? What is their road-map. Help them in achieving their goals. (#again mentioning about Mr Kalra, who introduced me to LOL concept-Listen, Observe, Learn). Yes, you will learn so much in this process.
4. Don't use power to suppress opinion that you think are pernicious.
5. Don't just rattle orders but let them understand why we are doing it? They will then work wholeheartedly.
6. Endeavor to overcome opposition by argument and not by authority.
7. Take quick decisions. You will never have perfect information. Act anyway. It is more important to choose than to choose right. Let your intuition take over.
8. Use common sense. Stay calm.

This list can go on. The list is not important. You are. Your inner being is. Deep dive into yourself. Are you an authentic person? Are you a good human being?....Rest will follow.