Unlocking Your Potential with the 70 20 10 Rule for Personal Development

Have you ever wondered how successful people reach new heights? What are the strategies they use for personal and professional growth? One key method is using the 70 20 10 rule for personal development. In this article, we explore what the 70 20 10 rule is and how it can help you unlock your potential.

What is the 70 20 10 Rule?

The 70 20 10 rule is a framework that suggests up to 90% of learning and development comes from our experiences and interactions. It divides activities into three categories to indicate how much emphasis they should receive:

– 70% should come from on-the-job learning by taking on new projects or challenges.
– 20% should come from learning through others, such as mentors, coaches, and peers.
– 10% should come from formal education or training, such as earning a certification or attending a class.

The idea is to focus the majority of your learning on experiences that have a direct impact on your work and career growth.

Using the 70%: On-the-Job Learning

The bulk of your learning should come from on-the-job experiences. This could include taking on new projects that challenge you, volunteering for cross-functional opportunities, or assuming responsibility for tasks outside your usual scope. These experiences help you develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and challenge you to think innovatively.

One example of on-the-job learning is when Anton, an Information Technology team leader, took on a project to implement a new software across the organization. Though he lacked the experience or knowledge to do so, he used it as an opportunity to develop his skills and expand his network. Anton learned more under pressure and achieved the project’s goals, which earned him a promotion.

Using the 20%: Learning Through Others

The second component of the 70 20 10 rule suggests that 20% of learning comes from others. Identifying and working with a mentor, coach or determined peer can help accelerate your progress. It is essential to learn from others who have different experiences, perspectives, and skills. This learning process helps you develop networking skills, get regular feedback on your work, and access different tools and resources.

For instance, Peter, a marketing manager, worked with a mentor who helped him sharpen his communication skills, provided a fresh perspective on a marketing strategy, and enabled him to make meaningful progress on his operational and personal objectives. Peter learned practical ideas and ways of thinking that he could use to succeed in his new role.

Using the 10%: Formal Education

The last component of the 70 20 10 rule suggests that 10% of learning comes from formal education or training programs. These development opportunities include attending conferences, taking classes, reading books, and completing courses. Formal education helps you refine your skills and acquire new knowledge and is usually helpful in specific areas.

For example, Jen, a customer service representative, took a communication course to help her improve her communication skills in her role. She learned the importance of active listening, clarity in communication, and how to manage difficult conversations. The skills she learned helped her communicate more effectively and build stronger relationships with customers.

Wrapping Up

Unlocking your potential through the 70 20 10 rule involves balancing experience, others’ input, and education. If you’re looking to make progress in your career, use the 70 20 10 rule to structure your learning effectively. Emphasize on-the-job learning, continuous mentorship and collaboration with peers, as well as formal education programs.

By deliberately orchestrating these diverse learning experiences, you’ll have a better chance of acquiring new skills, developing existing ones, and unlocking your potential. Remember, the 70 20 10 rule isn’t a secret to success, but it is a framework that aids in maximizing your growth potential.