75% Rule

Listening to a David Jeremiah Turning Point Podcast, I heard him reference a rule I’ve heard over the years that is incredibly useful and yet oh so difficult for most of us to apply.

Dr. Jeremiah told the story of an insurance man he came across at one of his events. They were talking about time limitations, priorities and the busyness of life. The insurance man was shocked at some of the things that Dr. Jeremiah said he was still doing (and not delegating to others). After some discussion, he advised him that all tasks that anyone else can do 75% as well as he can do should be delegated. And he should continue this 75% rule delegation process over and over – ultimately scaling his time and effort to continually free himself up for tasks and initiatives that only he can do. 

Imagine that. Are you, as a leader, doing things that others on your team should be doing? Perhaps these are things they were even hired to do. But, because it’s not us, the owner or the “controller” or the “perfectionist,” it’s not good enough. Yet, is that really true?

Hence the 75% rule. If it’s 75% as good as we can do it, it’s good enough. Because of the time it frees us up to do what no one else can do. Focusing on only those things far outweighs any impact of the 25% differential.

Scaling, that’s what this is. It’s also very empowering to our team, and consequently, an excellent leadership example. But that’s for another time. What are you doing that someone else can do 75% as well?

If you struggle with not getting enough of the right things done, or just being overly busy, or with slow growth, perhaps it’s time to list out your daily actions and tasks. Where do you invest your time? What can be and should be delegated? Now…if you delegate and still don’t do what you, and only you can do, that’s another problem.

It’s one thing to learn to delegate, and then really let go. But it’s entirely something else to leverage what you gain by focusing on your top priorities - investing your time and energy where it counts most.

Make your list. Find the 75% tasks and pass ‘em on!