The 80/20 Manager: The Secret to Working Less and Achieving More

This follow-up to 1999’s The 80/20 Principle covers the ways in which managers can apply the Pareto Principle: 80% of results come from 20% of our efforts. Entrepreneur and investor Koch argues that managers need to work more effectively, rather than simply working more, and that putting in enormous effort is the least effective way to get results. The declining economy and resulting layoffs have resulted in many overworked employees, and busywork and unnecessary e-mails aren’t helping. Koch urges overwhelmed managers to forget about the minutiae of process and instead focus on output, working with their teams to do the same. These principles will allow followers to do more in less time, and to simplify tasks and work. Koch provides a step-by-step guide to greater efficiency, helping readers with topics including mentoring, leveraging influence, finding meaning and direction, developing strategy, and consistently pursuing the biggest goals with the smallest effort. A true 80/20 manager, according to Koch, is relaxed, happy, and full of energy, and works reasonable hours. In fact, claims Koch, if more managers adhered to the 80/20 principle, the result would be a richer and more results-focused world. This easy-to-follow, substantive work helps readers develop a managerial style that’s truly worthwhile. (Oct.)