“Perfection is the enemy of progress.” – Winston Churchill
The 80 Percent Rule: Turning Good into Great
Too many professionals today expect everything to be tailored perfectly to their preferences. But here’s the truth: no tool, system, or process will ever fit you 100 percent. If it meets 80 percent of your needs, that’s good enough, and in most cases, that’s exactly what you need to grow.
Perfection is the enemy of progress. When we chase flawless customization, we often miss the real value of the fundamentals.
Fundamentals Are Not Basic
Some people call them “the basics,” but I argue there’s nothing basic about them. Fundamentals are the proven foundation for success. Just like a recipe for baking a cake, the fundamentals give you the structure. Follow the recipe, and your cake will rise. That’s your 80 percent.
Then, there’s the final 20 percent, which is the personalization. That’s where you add your flair: a little more vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or your own creative touch. That’s what makes it uniquely yours.
Good to Great: Building on the Recipe
Jim Collins, in his classic Good to Great, reminds us that greatness doesn’t come from chasing shortcuts; it comes from mastering the fundamentals first. Notice the title isn’t Perfect to Great. It starts with Good.
Start with good. Stay consistent with the fundamentals. Add your unique 20 percent. That’s how good becomes great.
Leadership Through the 80 Percent Lens
John Maxwell puts it simply: “If someone can do something at 80 percent, let them.” That’s how growth happens.
- It’s good because they did it.
- It’s great because you didn’t have to.
- It’s good because they’ll be better next time.
- It’s great because you can now give feedback that fuels development.
When you empower people to operate at 80 percent, you’re not just building their competence. You’re building their confidence.
Your Recipe for Growth
Here’s how to apply the 80 Percent Rule as a recipe for sales and leadership growth:
- Follow the Fundamentals – Master the proven steps that guarantee consistency.
- Add Your 20 Percent – Bring in your unique personality, creativity, and touch.
- Let Others Grow at 80 Percent – Trust your team to deliver, even if it’s not perfect.
- Give Feedback and Support – Use their good work as a stepping stone to greatness.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection. Focus on momentum, not flawless execution.
Just like baking a cake, success in sales and leadership isn’t about creating the perfect recipe from scratch. It’s about trusting the fundamentals, adding your personal flavor, and letting progress rise in the oven of consistency.
