80/20 Rule in Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is an essential skill. You must be able to effectively solve problems, both large and small because they are a natural part of every aspect of our personal and professional lives.

Use these steps and key tools when applying the Pareto Principle to problem-solving. You can even create a Pareto diagram to help you visualize the details of the problem and see the possible solutions:

• Create a list of problems you are facing in your situation.

• Determine what is causing each problem, particularly the root cause.

• Give a score to each problem by listing them in order of importance. Those that are impacting your progress the most are the most important ones (the 20 percent) to solve first.

• Organize your list of problems in groups according to those that have the same causes.

• Add up the scores in each group. The group that has the highest score is your highest priority.

• Start brainstorming solutions to this problem group and take action.