The Tipping Point and the 80/20 Rule
Malcom Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point discusses the 80/20 rule. The idea is that in so many things 80% vs 20% is a percentage factor. For years I’ve seen references to this percentage rule applied to sports and many other areas of life. Gladwell says economists often talk about the 80/20 principle. That in any situation roughly 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people involved. In most societies 20% of the criminals commit 80% of the crimes. In driving 20% of the motorists cause 80% of the accidents. He says 20% of the beer drinkers, drink 80% of all the beer. Roger Dawson, who has written about negotiation in his book Secrets of Power Negotiating, says 80% of the progress in negotiation occurs during the last 20% of the available time for discussion. The principle seems to be a valid one which applies to many areas of our lives.
One thought on “The Tipping Point and the 80/20 Rule”
I have used & strongly believe in the 80/20 Rule in my life, business and teaching.
The best books on this simple. powerful approach to strategy are – in my opinion – those of Richard Koch. I especially like his “Natural Laws of Power.” Here is a list of his books: http://www.suggestica.com/mywork/view_my_books?expert_id=230