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The 80/20 Principle and 92 Other Powerful Laws of Nature
Book

The 80/20 Principle and 92 Other Powerful Laws of Nature

The Science of Success

Nicholas Brealey Publishing, 2014 Mehr


Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

While they were unlocking the secrets of the universe, scientists like Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein also discovered principles that are relevant to business, says entrepreneur Richard Koch. In this wide-ranging, dense but well-organized survey of science and commerce, he draws management lessons using 93 “power laws” (the familiar 80/20 principle and 92 more) from biology, evolutionary psychology, physics, game theory and chaos theory. Disappointingly, some lessons prove to be mere analogies: A subatomic particle can be in two places at once, so you should adopt a “both-and” approach to decision-making. And Koch’s theory descriptions can be too cryptic. But in the extensive sections on competition and nonlinear systems, his advice is specific and utilitarian, and the parallels with science are direct and illuminating. As a bonus, Koch provides a quick refresher on the history of science over the last 300 years, and his crisp layout and lists add clarity. getAbstract recommends his insights and methods to business students, managers and entrepreneurs seeking a fresh perspective on strategy.

Take-Aways

  • Science’s “power laws” explain as much about business as they do about the natural world.
  • The 80/20 principle teaches that 20% of causes lead to 80% of effects.
  • In business and other facets of life, most people waste energy on things that don’t matter and on activities with minimal returns.

About the Author

Richard Koch is an investor and bestselling author. He worked as a consultant at The Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Company, and co-founded The LEK Partnership, a strategy consultancy.


Comment on this summary or Diskussion beginnen

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    T. A. 4 years ago
    The Pareto Theory also is applicable on your team performance, based on my experience, I found that 20% of our team generates 80% of the valuable productivity so I am thinking seriously to sell off other trivial 80% resources and outsource their work to outside company.
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    K. M. 8 years ago
    With the great insight explains different paths to success

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