Embrace the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb for Breakthrough Innovation
Master the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb for Innovation. Discover the key to a thriving, future-proof business in our insightful guide.
Introduction
The 70-20-10 rule is a widely accepted concept in the business world, which suggests that companies should allocate their resources and human capital in a specific ratio to promote innovation and growth. The rule states that 70% of the company's investment should go towards the core business, 20% towards new developments, and 10% towards new and untested ideas.
This rule of thumb has been applied in various fields, including leadership development, innovation portfolios, and career development. It is believed that by following this ratio, companies can balance their focus between maintaining their current business and investing in future growth opportunities. By dedicating resources to new initiatives, companies can remain competitive and adapt to changing market conditions.
In this article, we will explore the 70-20-10 rule in detail, examining how it can be applied to foster innovation and growth in businesses.
We will also discuss how companies can use this rule to manage their innovation portfolios effectively and achieve long-term success.
Understanding the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
What is the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb for Innovation?
The 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb is a model that suggests how to allocate resources and human capital between different innovation projects. The rule was first introduced by Morgan McCall, Robert W. Eichinger, and Michael M. Lombardo from the Center for Creative Leadership in the 1990s. The rule suggests that companies should invest 70% of their resources and human capital in the core business, 20% in new developments, and 10% in new ideas that might seem crazy at first.
Why is the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb important for Innovation?
The 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb is important for innovation because it helps companies balance their investments between different innovation projects. By investing most of their resources in the core business, companies can maintain their competitive advantage and improve their existing products and services. By investing in new developments, companies can explore new markets and technologies that can help them grow and diversify their business. By investing in new ideas that might seem crazy at first, companies can experiment and explore new opportunities that can lead to breakthrough innovations.
The 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb is also important because it helps companies manage risk and uncertainty. By investing most of their resources in the core business, companies can minimize the risk of failure and ensure a steady stream of revenue. By investing in new developments, companies can manage the risk of disruption and stay ahead of the competition. By investing in new ideas that might seem crazy at first, companies can manage the risk of missing out on new opportunities and stay relevant in a rapidly changing market.
Overall, the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb is a useful model for companies that want to balance their investments between different innovation projects. By following this rule, companies can maintain their competitive advantage, explore new markets and technologies, and experiment with new ideas that might lead to breakthrough innovations.
Applying the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb for Innovation
The 70-20-10 rule of thumb for innovation is a popular framework that organizations use to allocate resources, time, and effort towards innovation. The rule suggests that companies should invest 70% of their resources and human capital in the core business, 20% in new developments, and 10% on new ideas that might seem crazy at first. In this section, we will explore how to apply the 70-20-10 rule of thumb in practice, provide examples of successful implementation, and highlight common pitfalls to avoid.
How to use the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb in Practice
To apply the 70-20-10 rule of thumb in practice, organizations need to follow a few steps:
Identify the core business: The first step is to identify the core business and the areas that need improvement. Organizations should focus on the areas that generate the most revenue and have the most potential for growth.
Allocate resources: Once the core business is identified, organizations should allocate 70% of their resources and human capital towards it. This can include investing in new technology, improving processes, and developing new products or services.
Identify new developments: The next step is to identify new developments that can help the organization grow. This can include exploring new markets, developing new products, or expanding the customer base. Organizations should allocate 20% of their resources towards these new developments.
Invest in new ideas: Finally, organizations should allocate 10% of their resources towards new ideas that might seem crazy at first. This can include investing in new technology, exploring new markets, or developing new products or services.
Examples of Successful Implementation of the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
Many organizations have successfully implemented the 70-20-10 rule of thumb for innovation. For example:
Google allows its engineers to spend 20% of their time on personal projects that can benefit the company. This has led to innovations such as Gmail and Google Maps.
Procter & Gamble uses the 70-20-10 rule of thumb to allocate resources towards its core brands, new product categories, and disruptive innovations. This has helped the company grow and expand its portfolio.
Apple invests heavily in its core products such as the iPhone and iPad, but also allocates resources towards new developments such as the Apple Watch and Apple TV.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
While the 70-20-10 rule of thumb can be an effective framework for innovation, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:
Lack of focus: Organizations can lose focus on their core business if they allocate too many resources towards new developments or new ideas.
Ineffective allocation of resources: Organizations need to ensure that they are allocating resources effectively towards the core business, new developments, and new ideas.
Lack of buy-in: The 70-20-10 rule of thumb requires buy-in from all stakeholders, including employees, managers, and executives. Without buy-in, the framework may not be effective.
In conclusion, the 70-20-10 rule of thumb for innovation is a popular framework that organizations can use to allocate resources, time, and effort towards innovation. By following the steps outlined above, organizations can effectively apply the framework, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve success in their innovation efforts.
Benefits and Limitations of the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
The 70-20-10 rule of thumb is a popular framework for companies to allocate resources and human capital in the innovation process. While this methodology has been praised for its ability to balance short-term and long-term goals, it also has its limitations. This section will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the 70-20-10 rule of thumb.
Advantages of the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
One of the main advantages of the 70-20-10 rule of thumb is that it provides a structured approach to innovation. By allocating resources in a specific manner, companies can ensure that they are focusing on their core business while also exploring new ideas. This methodology can help companies avoid becoming too focused on one area and losing sight of other opportunities.
Another advantage of the 70-20-10 rule of thumb is that it encourages risk-taking. By allocating a portion of resources to new and potentially crazy ideas, companies can explore innovative solutions that they may not have considered otherwise. This can lead to breakthroughs and competitive advantages.
Furthermore, the 70-20-10 rule of thumb can enhance employee engagement. By allocating resources to training and development programs, employees can feel more invested in the company's success. This can lead to increased motivation and productivity.
Disadvantages of the 70-20-10 Rule of Thumb
One of the limitations of the 70-20-10 rule of thumb is that it can be difficult to implement. Allocating resources in a specific manner requires careful planning and execution. This can be a challenge for companies that do not have a clear understanding of their core business or the innovation process.
Another disadvantage of the 70-20-10 rule of thumb is that it may not be suitable for all companies. This methodology may work well for companies that have a clear understanding of their core business and have a culture of innovation. However, for companies that are just starting to explore innovation, this methodology may not be the best approach.
Furthermore, the 70-20-10 rule of thumb can be inflexible. While it provides a structured approach to innovation, it may not allow for the flexibility needed to respond to changing market conditions or emerging opportunities.
In conclusion, the 70-20-10 rule of thumb has its advantages and limitations. While it provides a structured approach to innovation and encourages risk-taking, it can be difficult to implement and may not be suitable for all companies. Companies should carefully consider their goals and resources before implementing this methodology.
Maximize Innovation with the 70-20-10 Rule: 5 Key Examples
Discover how leading companies maximize innovation by applying the 70-20-10 rule, which prioritizes 70% of resources on core business, 20% on related projects, and 10% on high-risk ideas.
Explore five diverse examples, including Google's innovation strategy, Coca-Cola's product diversification, retail store approaches, tech company research, and the automotive industry's focus areas, to see how this rule can be applied across sectors for optimal growth and success.
Examples:
- Google's Innovation: 70% core business focus, 20% related projects, 10% high-risk ideas.
- Coca-Cola's Product Diversification: 70% classic drinks, 20% healthier options, 10% experimental flavors.
- Retail Store Strategies: 70% best-selling items, 20% seasonal trends, 10% unique merchandise.
- Tech Company Research: 70% improving existing software, 20% exploring new markets, 10% disruptive technologies.
- Automotive Industry: 70% optimizing current models, 20% electric vehicle development, 10% autonomous driving research.
Three Horizons of Growth Template
Link to our McKinsey
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