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Can you see 80\20?
The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 rule, states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. I’m sure we have all heard the phrase, 80% of the work is done by 20% of the members, and as it turns out, it’s usually true. That doesn’t mean the 80 are on the wrong bus, they just haven’t fully caught the vision and have not been trained up for the work. So, how does this rule apply to Rangers? It’s likely that 20% of your Rangers accomplish 80% of the advancement merits, attend outings, and sign up for training. In today’s episode where going help you hold a magnifier over your Outpost, identify the 20% and decide how best to harness this phenomenon to float all the boats in your flotilla.
20/20 Will Give You Clear Focus
The word play in the show title refers to visual acuity numbers use by eye doctors, and an acuity of 20/20 means your unimpaired. It’s easy to give the 80% your undivided attention. We often spend time, money and other resources to appeal to the 80% hopping to win them over. It’s not uncommon to see an 80%er given a leadership position in the hopes he will rise to the occasion.
Concentrate on the 20%. Design your weekly meetings, outings, and give all your leadership positions to this small but eminently more influential group. After all, this is a discipleship program, and as such will naturally sift the crown down to the few.
The Faithfulness Scale is From 0-20
Remember the Bibles directive is to assemble the faithful and God will make them able. The 20% is where you will find your most faithful. Tap into this group and cast to them the Royal Ranger vision.
The 20 Drives the Rising Tide
A rising tide floats all boats. If you want your Rangers to be in uniform, get the 20% to wear theirs. If you want your Outpost to be more boy lead adult facilitate, mentor your 20% to lead. Part of the role of a facilitator is to maintain an environment where your 20% can thrive. As they thrive, and their tide rises, all the boats will begin to lift off the sandbars that held them shackled and unfulfilled.