Time Management Tip: The 10-80-10 Rule

When it comes to effective delegation, few frameworks are as simple—and powerful—as the 10-80-10 rule, a concept popularized by leadership expert Craig Groeschel, founding pastor of Life.Church.

This model is designed to help leaders empower their teams, avoid micromanagement, and stay involved at the most critical moments. Here’s how it works:

First 10% – Leader’s Role

The leader initiates the process by providing vision, direction, context, and clear expectations. This ensures everyone is aligned on the desired outcome before any work begins. Envision a personal trainer, their job is to tell you "what body part where" or a nutritionist giving you a meal plan. Clearly define the project finish line and provide the information that is needed for the team members to complete the task. 

Middle 80% – Team Member’s Ownership

Once the foundation is set, the team member takes full ownership of the task. They’re responsible for the planning, execution, and problem-solving required to bring the project to life. This is where the bulk of the work happens—and where true empowerment shines. 

Final 10% – Leader’s Final Input

The team member brings the near-finished product back to the leader for review, refinement, and final approval. This closing step ensures quality and alignment without the leader having to be involved in every detail.

Why It Works

The 10-80-10 rule is a favorite in leadership development spaces—and a personal favorite of this time management expert—because it:

• Reduces micromanagement
• Increases effectiveness
• Develops ownership, time management and refined communication
• Keeps leaders focused on the vision and results
• Teaches team members to hit deadlines

By balancing empowerment and accountability, this approach helps leaders build strong, self-sufficient teams while still maintaining influence at the moments that matter most. It's not as much efficient management as it is effective management.

Watch this brief video on this and let us know how much time implementing it saves you!