The 10-80-10 Principle: The Key to Delegating Without Losing Control
“Why can’t he get things right?”
I remember a client, let’s call him Eric, coming to me with this question. Eric told me he hired someone to help with client deliverables so he can focus on high-value tasks that will grow his firm. He had high hopes for this new guy because he was smart, skilled, hardworking and pleasant to talk to. But when they started working, the new hire couldn’t deliver the expected output.
What was going on?
Upon careful examination, I realised what the issue was. No matter how driven and talented the new hire was, Eric only told him what to do - he did not show him how.
This is a common issue for business leaders trying to delegate. I’ve worked with several leaders who struggled with team management because they couldn’t delegate tasks properly.
If you can relate to this problem, keep reading.
In this article, I want to teach you a powerful framework that can help you prioritise tasks, empower your team and delegate without losing control. I’ll share with you the 10-80-10 principle and how you can use it to gain the freedom to focus on your core competencies while ensuring the business continues to thrive.
An Overview of the 10-80-10 Framework
John Maxwell, a renowned leadership guru, devised the 10-80-10 framework. He calls it the “bookends of success” because it teaches business leaders to ensure success while delegating most tasks to their teams.
This principle provides a structured approach to delegation. It breaks down tasks between you as the leader and the rest of your team. This approach maximises efficiency and ensures critical tasks get the right attention. It allows you to focus on high-impact activities and leaves the team feeling empowered as they take on a significant share of the responsibilities.
The 10-80-10 principle is broken down as follows:
10% of the tasks are for the leader (involves critical tasks)
80% of the tasks are entrusted to the team
10% of the tasks are for the leader’s oversight
Mastering this framework will help leaders avoid burnout and keep them from micromanaging the team. It creates an opportunity for the team to be more engaged.
So if you run an advisory practice, 10% of the tasks will include high-level client strategies and critical decision-making. 80% covers the daily operations, client interactions and other support activities. The final 10% is reserved for reviewing deliverables and quality control.
Let’s take a closer look at each segment of the 10-80-10 principle.
The First 10%: Tasks Only You Can Handle
The first 10% refers to the foundation of the whole task or project. Only you can do this 10% - no one else. It requires your specific expertise, vision and direction. This usually involves strategic planning which sets the pace for the team to follow.
Think of it as defining the project. You set a clear vision and direction to guide your team. Outline the end goal and align the tasks that will be delegated so the team can stay focused on the intended objective. Define the “why” behind the project to give the team motivation and a common purpose as they navigate the demands of the project at hand.
This 10% also includes an evaluation of the project’s ROI (return on investment), the financial resources as well as other requirements like time, people skills, etc.
If done right, this 10% will provide a well-defined vision, investment clarity and a supportive culture in the workplace. It’ll create an environment where risks are minimised and any failure will be seen as a growth opportunity instead of a setback. This sets the foundation for effective delegation where you get an empowered team who can work collaboratively towards growth so you are free to focus your energy on high-impact activities.
The Middle 80%: Empower Your Team and Delegate
The initial 10% will help you identify 80% of the tasks you can delegate to your team. This will empower your team and train them to take ownership of various tasks in the business. It’ll give them a chance to develop their skills and make meaningful contributions to the growth of the business.
While the 80% delegated to the team is still vital to achieving success, it involves tasks that don’t require your direct involvement. This includes administrative duties, daily operations, client interactions, data management, routine reporting, etc.
If you provide them with the right training, resources and tools, your team can efficiently handle these tasks as if you’re the one doing them. Give them clear instructions, documented guidelines and set expectations. Then give them the authority to make strategic decisions related to their responsibilities. This will help your team hone their skills and take ownership of their role in the business.
As they do the bulk of the work, your support will give them the motivation and a sense of accountability. Praise and reward good works to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage excellence. This will foster a collaborative environment within the business and make your team feel trusted and valued.
The Last 10%: Providing the “Final Touch”
The final 10% in the framework is all about maintaining oversight. While you’re delegating the bulk of the work to your team, you still need to ensure the project meets your standards and aligns with your vision. This requires regular check-ins and constructive feedback to keep the team on track. Set up checkpoints that include your approval. For instance, you can approve major proposals or do a final review of the deliverables.
Do it in a way that doesn’t stifle their creativity and independence. Find the balance so you maintain control and empower your team. This ensures the work stays on course and allows your team to operate based on the high standards you’ve set.
If there are mistakes or failures, reevaluate the delegated task. Get feedback from the team to get a better understanding of the situation. Find a way to turn the mistake into an improved version of your business operations. This is crucial for growth and will extract lessons you and your team can capitalise on.
Success Through the 10-80-10 Principle
Successful business leaders understand that it takes a team to achieve success. But they also understand that their personal touch in delegation is also the key to making delegation work.
According to the COO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, leadership is about using your presence to make others better. It’s also about making sure you leave an impact that resonates with the team even in your absence.
This is the effect of the 10-80-10 principle. The bulk of the work is delegated to your team but your presence in the first and last 10% is vital to succeed.
Going back to my client, Eric, I encouraged him to apply the 10-80-10 principle in handling his team. He entrusted the daily management of client deliverables but he made sure his presence was felt to motivate and drive his team towards excellence. In the end, his team, even the new hires, were able to meet the standards he set. He helped his team grow into productive and capable individuals - thereby allowing him to focus on the high-impact activities only he could do.
Start Delegating to Grow Without Letting Go
The 10-80-10 principle provides a powerful framework that leads to incredible growth in your business. It delegates a majority of the task without letting you lose control. By focusing on key tasks, you can empower your team to handle the bulk of the work. At the same time, maintaining oversight allows your team to flourish in their work while you focus on high-value tasks. This takes you off the daily operations but close enough to step in to ensure alignment and provide constructive feedback.
If you want to elevate your delegation game, implement the 10-80-10 principle. Take your business to the next level and build a high-performing team.
Do you want to learn more about transforming your leadership approach? I’m offering a complimentary brainstorming session to unlock your business’s full potential. Book a call here: https://www.butleradvisory.com.au/time-with-trent.