8020sääntöön

The 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, is an observation that roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. This principle was first identified by Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto in 1906, who noticed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population. While the exact ratio of 80/20 is not always precise, the underlying concept that a significant majority of results often stem from a minority of efforts is widely applicable.

The 80/20 rule can be observed in many different areas of life and business. In business, for example, it's common to find that 80% of a company's profits come from 20% of its customers, or that 80% of sales are generated by 20% of its products. In personal productivity, individuals might find that 80% of their accomplishments are the result of 20% of their tasks. This principle suggests a strategy for focusing resources and effort on the most impactful activities.

Applying the 80/20 rule involves identifying the vital few causes that yield the most significant results and then concentrating efforts on them. Conversely, it also suggests that the remaining 80% of causes might only contribute to 20% of the results, implying that these less impactful areas might be candidates for simplification, delegation, or elimination. The 80/20 rule encourages a more efficient and effective approach by prioritizing actions that deliver the greatest return.