Leverage Prioritization Matrix

Put every finding in order: what to do now, next, later, or deliberately leave alone.

Subtract · Automate · Vest · Exit (close)T-09

The pattern it solves

An audit produces a long list and nothing gets done, or the most interesting fix gets done first instead of the most valuable.

Signals you need it

More than a handful of findings. No agreement on where to start.

Use it when

At the end of any audit.

What it takes in

Findings, each with estimated hours per year and a rough effort.

What you end up with

Two labels per finding. **When:** Now (weeks 1–2), Next (weeks 3–8), Later (month 3+), or Freeze. **What:** its SAVE step.

The steps

1.Score each finding on impact (hours per year, how often, how much it depends on the owner) and ease (effort, cost, risk, how easy to undo, time to value).
2.High impact, high ease → Now. High impact, lower ease → Next. High impact, hard → Later. Low impact → Freeze (closing Exit: keep it running, stop improving it).
3.No more than 2–3 per horizon.
4.Attach the SAVE step to each.

How it returns time

Spends effort where it returns the most time first, and says out loud where to stop.

What to measure

Hours per year addressed by Now items; share of Now items installed on schedule.

What to measure, before and after. Not what anyone achieved — there are no client results to report.

Where it comes from

Adapted from the impact × effort grid, a general prioritization practice; the Now / Next / Later horizons match the Time Buyback Plan.

What it fixes

Every category in the library

This one is not aimed at a particular leak. It runs across all twenty.