For any given task, a manager uses one third of the time available/alloted to plan how to tackle a project, and then gives a subordinate two thirds of the alloted time to accomplish the task. It's a pretty decent rule of thumb when you are on short deadline. If you have 6 hours, take 2 of them yourself to create your plan of attack, then give your folks 4 hours to execute. It keeps a manager from giving incomplete unthoughful directives (i.e. looking stupid).
Walt
Submitted by Mark Horstman on Friday January 5th, 2007 5:02 pm
1/3 2/3
For any given task, a manager uses one third of the time available/alloted to plan how to tackle a project, and then gives a subordinate two thirds of the alloted time to accomplish the task. It's a pretty decent rule of thumb when you are on short deadline. If you have 6 hours, take 2 of them yourself to create your plan of attack, then give your folks 4 hours to execute. It keeps a manager from giving incomplete unthoughful directives (i.e. looking stupid).
Walt
1/3 - 2/3 rule
Walt is correct. We have a cast with some more detail coming out shortly.
This technique doesn't get a lot of press, but is really pretty powerful as a guideline.
Mark