I have been writing this week about the need to plan as a church for the future. I shared yesterday about three questions our staff worked through at a recent staff retreat to brainstorm. You can read that post HERE. Another exercise we went through was the 20-60-20 Principle. (Some will say this is 10-90-10)
This can be a controversial principle, because it appears at first glance that an organization is strategizing to leave a group of people out of the equation, but really this strategy helps the entire organization be more successful, eventually improving things for everyone involved in the organization, even those in the last 20%. This principle assumes that in any organization:
20% of the people are on board with what the organization is doing and wants to see the organization reach its full potential. These people understand and believe in the vision and are usually willing to contribute to its success.
60% of the people are just along for the ride and can be pulled in either direction towards a positive or negative view of the organization. They can be new to the organization or they have never been challenged to get involved.
20% of the people tend to be negative, uninterested or just passing through. They typically will resist any changes and do not contribute to the overall success of the organization. They are complainers by nature in any environment in which they are a part.
The problem is that most organizations (especially churches) tend to cater to the last 20% in an attempt to make them happy or keep them quiet. The challenge and goal for any organization should be to spend energy and attention developing the top 20% so they will pull the 60% in their direction. With this approach the last 20%, those who are currently creating negative energy in the organization, will either join in the excitement or be forced to look for an organization they can fully support. Unfortunately, some of these people will leave if they do not get their way and will most likely join the same negative 20 % in another organization.
Is your church or organization concentrating most of its energy on people who really are never going to support the success of the organization?
