Leadership writer John Maxwell describes the 10-80-10 principle: for each group of people, 10% are high-achievers, 80% meet expectations, and 10% need support. One of the most powerful concepts in leadership is utilizing this concept to help create long-term change. Great leaders focus on challenging the top 10%, and they focus on moving the other 90% into the next level of success. Here are five ways to focus on the 10-80-10 principle when creating change:
- Define the Levels: In order to make progress, leaders must clearly define the standards at each level. Through an analysis of the expectations, leaders can define what it looks, feels, and sounds like to achieve in these categories. This analysis guides leaders in understanding how to move individuals or groups into a higher level of success. How clearly are the levels of success defined?
- Determine the Baseline: After developing the standards for each level of success, determine the baseline of where every person falls in the organization. This might be through observations, evaluations, or testing if it’s an educational environment. This baseline allows for a clear understanding of where everyone is at. The baseline also provides an opportunity to see growth and movement over time. How accurately do you measure the baseline for each group?
- Identify Strategies: Collaborating with a leadership team, determine how to challenge the top 10%, push the middle 80%, and support the bottom 10%. Focus on 2-3 actions for each individual group and implement those actions. Spend time evaluating how those actions impact the group and if they’re beneficial in supporting growth. How effectively do you create strategies for success?
- Communicate the Plan: Clearly articulate to individuals or groups how the leadership team hopes to challenge or support people in their process for improvement. This communication could be in a group setting or in one-on-one meetings to discuss areas for improvement. It’s important to communicate the plan for continuous improvement, so people know what to expect in creating change. How clearly do you communicate the plan for improvement?
- Check for Progress: After the plan to challenge the top 10%, move the middle 80%, and support the bottom 10% has been developed, it’s important to evaluate progress. Determine whether more individuals are operating in the next level of success. Evaluate each group through qualitative or quantitative metrics in order to clearly evaluate the movement of success. What do you use to check for success?
The concept of 10-80-10 applies to a variety of leadership areas, but it’s an effective framework for creating positive change. Consistently challenge the top 10%, improve the middle 80%, and support the lower 10% to create long-term success. Great leaders define levels of success, determine the baseline, and then create a strategy for success.
What is your process for moving groups to higher levels of success?