In his bestselling book Built to Last, author Jim Collins introduces the concept of the “Mars Group.” Imagine having to recreate your company, department, or division on Mars. You can only bring a few people with you, and there’s no communication with Earth. The question is, who would you take?

Naturally, you’d bring the leaders who are making the greatest impact on your organization. This concept ties into the “Pareto Principle,” also known as the 80/20 rule, which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of people. This ratio holds true across many areas of life. For example, 80% of donations in nonprofits often come from just 20% of donors. In sales organizations, 20% of producers generate 80% of sales.

The key takeaway here is the importance of staying connected with your “Mars Group”—the top 20%. While they may not require constant guidance or training, they still want to feel valued, listened to, and informed about the direction of the organization.

Investing time in your top performers is one of the best uses of your leadership efforts. Check in with them to see how you can provide additional resources or help them navigate challenges. Ultimately, you are their strategic partner in growth. If you’re taking them to Mars, protecting your investment in them is essential.