# TBM 301: How to Reconcile Prioritization and $/Time Allocation  ## Metadata - Author: [[John Cutler]] - Full Title: TBM 301: How to Reconcile Prioritization and $/Time Allocation - Category: #articles - Summary: John Cutler argues that using percentage allocations to describe strategy can be misleading and fail to reflect true priorities. Instead, he suggests viewing allocations as an outcome of clear priorities and strategies, not the driving force behind them. By focusing on value and urgency, organizations can better align their efforts and resources to achieve desired results. - URL: https://cutlefish.substack.com/p/tbm-301-how-to-reconcile-prioritization?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=24711&post_id=146770879&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=3mtnp9&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email ## Highlights - Many companies express their strategies (or plans) using % allocations to different investment buckets. For example: • 25% — expand addressable market • 25% — increase customer satisfaction for existing customers • 30% — modernize our stack/infrastructure/technology • 20% — "Keep the lights on" activities The percentage in question is typically some combination of $, "heads," or time. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xm6jpxc27jzxx713b47w1m)) - We imagine our time/energy to be finite; therefore, "apportioning it" feels like a helpful way to prioritize and hold ourselves accountable. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xm74dst7zj9ny1q17r6r7w)) - If we *say* something is important but spend very little time on it proportionately, that can be a huge wake-up call to reassess our priorities and reallocate our time. Translate this to personal budgeting, and it is immediately clear why CFOs love $/investment allocation schemes. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xm7wbx5ykg8a61mj5tsj4x)) - Nothing feels more rigorous than putting your budget vs. actuals in a spreadsheet and asking the hard questions ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xm8rsnt72e0f6gap39wfh4)) - Remember, the time/$/focus is an input. What is the output? ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xmcshaxn39nzxz766r13ae)) - We fail to capture the current blockers and inefficiencies related to that proposed investment. Are we investing 30% because we feel that is all *we need*? Or are we investing 30% because we acknowledge the situation is not ideal, but more money is required to improve the overall efficiency of that value stream ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01j3xmbrjzftd1n8pxq5rytrmx))