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“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:29

Do you sometimes take a moment to look back on what you might do differently? It is a wise and healthy thing to do. As I look back at projects my clinic undertook, I recognize I spent too much time and energy I did not need to on many of the details. As a new business owner, I felt I needed to do everything. 

However, I have learned a style of managing projects which is better for the business, for others and for me. In the past, too many things took energy and time from me and others. I have taken a rest from feeling I need to be part of every step and every decision. I have learned to step back from micromanaging and now use the “Modified 10/80/10 Principle.”

What is the Modified 10/80/10 Principle and how can you apply it to your next project at work? Consider:

The first 10% is the beginning of the project that requires your involvement to give the vision, the objectives and to get it started on the right track. Set SMART Goals, which mean they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. Ensure each person knows their responsibility. You might post the goals somewhere so they are in sight. During this time, there should be a discussion of what resources are needed, what might happen and time for the team to ask questions. Make sure they have what they need to get the job done, and then you step back. 

Modified 80% is the middle part of the project that your team runs with. In the true 10/80/10 Principle, you are not involved in this part unless they have questions.  It is their project to manage, not yours to micromanage. Now, you can work on the things which only you can work on. However, touching base with them formally in the form of a lunch meeting is an ideal way to talk to them about how things are going and to support them. This is therefore, a “Modified 80%,” This midpoint get together is a combined “checking in and encouragement session,” not a micromanaging session. You are not reviewing all the details but rather taking a point in time to be available to review anything they may want to. This can help avoid numerous “mini-meetings” as they are now part way through the project and have an idea what questions they want to ask. This is a more efficient use of time, and sets the team up for more success as they start the home stretch of the project. 

10% is the final part that you help with when the project is almost finished. This is where you review what has been done, ask questions and give input. You likely have some experience in some part of this project which will be helpful in its finalization. You are experienced with risk management so you can raise potential issues and ask how they would be dealt with. You may see some things which perhaps they cannot. Once completed, this is the time to put your “stamp of approval” on the project, get excited about how well it has gone, give credit to the team and offer congratulations on a job well done. 

What project are you thinking of starting? Review how you normally would have undertaken a project. Do you have a structured approach which uses time, efforts and talents wisely, that allows you to be appropriately involved and recognizes your team? If not, it is time to consider the Modified 10/80/10 Principle.  Whether it is a major project with many team members or a small project with one person, what can you now start doing to ensure it is well managed?

May God bless you richly this week as you review your project management. 

Have a great week!

Bonny, Christian Women at Work

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