The 80/20 Rule and Strengths-Based Development

This past week, as I was reading Howard Gardner’s book Changing Minds, I came upon a description of a commonly held attitude about the way in which people should expend their efforts:

"From early childhood on, most of us have operated under the following assumption: When confronted with a task, we should work as hard as we are able and devote approximately equal time to each part of that task. According to this '50/50 principle,' if we have to learn a piece of music, or master a new game, or fill out some role at home or work, we should spread our effort equally across the various components." [Italics added]

I think this description relates directly to the commonly held belief in business that a person should focus his development efforts on identifying and improving his weaknesses. That is, he should try to raise his skill levels in his weakness areas to reach parity with his areas of proficiency. In doing so (as the belief holds), he should aspire to become well-rounded in his particular job or position.

However, as Gardner notes, this development strategy may be wrongheaded:

"Now consider another perspective on this issue. Early in the last century, the Italian economist and sociologist Vilifredo Pareto proposed what has come to be known as the '80/20 principle' or rule. As explained by Richard Koch in a charming book, The 80/20 Principle, one can in general accomplish most of what one wants – perhaps up to 80 percent of the target – with only a modest amount of effort – perhaps only 20 percent of expected effort…. It is important to be judicious about where one places one’s efforts, and to be alert to ‘tipping points’ that abruptly bring a goal within (or beyond) reach. Conversely, one should avoid the natural temptation to inject equal amounts of energy into every part of a task, problem, project, or hobby." [Italics added]

In this view, the application of equal effort to all parts of your “toolkit” constitutes a misguided approach to a personal development strategy. (To paraphrase the Heath brothers in Made to Stick, if you’re focusing on ten skills, you’re not really focusing on any skills.)

As I read this, it suddenly struck me: The strengths-based development approach is a perfect example of the 80/20 Principle! Placing your development focus on optimizing your key strengths provides you the leverage you need to succeed, while at the same time ensuring that you don’t spread yourself too thin in your development efforts.

And, yes, you could choose to focus your “20%” on your major weaknesses – but the payoff for the effort would probably be only (as Peter Drucker said) the attainment of mediocrity in those areas.

Why not instead be more "judicious" - and strategic - in your 20% focus by placing it on your strengths?