The Impact vs Effort matrix is a simple yet powerful tool that can be used to prioritize tasks or projects based on their potential impact and the effort required to complete them. The matrix is particularly useful for teams that need to manage their workload effectively and make the best use of their limited resources.

It is also known as an Eisenhower matrix, named after former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who famously said, “I have two kinds of problems: the urgent and the important. The urgent are not important, and the important are never urgent.”

The matrix consists of a two-dimensional grid that is divided into four quadrants. The vertical axis represents the level of impact that a task or project could have on an organization, while the horizontal axis represents the level of effort required to complete it.

The impact axis can be measured in various ways, such as the potential revenue, cost savings, or customer satisfaction that a task or project could deliver. The effort axis can be measured in terms of time, resources, and manpower required to complete the task or project.

Once the tasks or projects are identified and their level of impact and effort are determined, they can be placed into one of four quadrants:

1. High impact, low effort: These tasks or projects are the top priority, as they can provide significant benefits to the organization with relatively little effort. Examples might include automating a manual process or optimizing a marketing campaign. These are your quick wins.
2. High impact, high effort: These tasks or projects are worth considering, but they require more resources and may take longer to complete. Examples might include developing a new product line or implementing a new software system. These are your major projects.
3. Low impact, low effort: These tasks or projects are relatively easy to complete, but they may not provide significant benefits to the organization. Examples might include updating internal documentation or conducting routine maintenance. These are your fill-ins. It’s when you have absolutely nothing else to do.
4. Low impact, high effort: These tasks or projects should be deprioritized, as they require a significant amount of resources with little potential impact. Examples might include conducting a survey to gather customer feedback or designing a new logo. Also known as thankless tasks

The benefits of using an Impact vs Effort matrix include:

1. Clarity: The matrix provides a clear and concise way to prioritize tasks or projects, ensuring that the most important work is given the highest priority.
2. Efficiency: By focusing on tasks or projects with the highest impact and the least amount of effort, teams can work more efficiently and achieve their goals more quickly.
3. Resource allocation: The matrix helps teams to allocate their resources more effectively, ensuring that they are used to maximum effect.
4. Collaboration: The matrix can be used collaboratively, allowing teams to work together to prioritize tasks or projects and ensure that everyone is on the same page.