What does the "Pareto principle" suggest in problem-solving?

The Pareto principle, often referred to as the 80/20 rule, emphasizes the idea that a significant portion of effects comes from a relatively small number of causes. In the context of problem-solving, the principle suggests that 80% of outcomes, such as problems or effects, typically result from just 20% of possible causes. This insight is vital for prioritizing efforts and resources because it highlights the importance of identifying and addressing the most impactful factors.

By focusing on the 20% that generates the majority of the outcomes, individuals and organizations can streamline their problem-solving processes, efficiently allocate resources, and achieve greater effectiveness in addressing issues. This approach is especially useful in quality control, business management, and resource allocation, where determining key contributors to problems can yield significant improvements in performance and solutions.