The 85% Rule for Learning and the Sense of Business Leaders

The 85% Rule for Learning and the Sense of Business Leaders

Learning, whether for humans or machines, seems to be most effective when we achieve success around 85% of the time. This rule, discovered by Scott H Young, suggests that the optimal error rate for training is approximately 15.87%, or conversely, the optimal training accuracy is about 85%. Surprisingly, this finding aligns closely with the 80% success rate observed by Barak Rosenshine in his study of successful classrooms, despite originating from different theoretical backgrounds. This correlation implies that adjusting the level of support based on the success rate can enhance learning outcomes. It is essential to note that the exact percentage may vary depending on the task at hand.

Various theories of optimal learning converge on the idea of finding a sweet spot for difficulty - not too easy, not too hard. Lev Vygotsky's concept of the zone of proximal development asserts that tasks slightly beyond our current capabilities, but manageable with assistance, maximize learning. This idea resonates with the 85% rule, as it suggests that providing the right amount of challenge can facilitate growth and acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

Moreover, research shows that encountering some difficulty during the learning process can be beneficial. When given a test that requires inference or problem-solving, students with a higher background knowledge perform better than those with less background knowledge when interpreting a less coherent text. This finding supports the notion that when a text is easily understandable, we invest less effort in creating a mental model of its content. In such cases, introducing greater difficulty can be advantageous because the struggle it creates forces us to retrieve and apply our background knowledge.

Anders Ericsson's model of deliberate practice further reinforces the importance of difficulty in learning. According to Ericsson, when skills become automatic, we tend to plateau at levels of ability far below our potential. This insight highlights the need to continually challenge ourselves and push beyond our comfort zones to unlock our full capabilities.

In the realm of business leadership, the concept of "sense" plays a crucial role. Looking at the perspective of Tadashi Yanai, the chairman of Fast Retailing, we find that strategy is not merely a combination of elements but rather a permutation based on time. The ability to create a coherent narrative by considering the temporal depth and breadth is a key aspect of strategic thinking. Those who possess a strong sense of business can articulate their ideas by abstracting the underlying logic and presenting it in a way that transcends specific situations. This ability to navigate between the concrete and the abstract, and retrieve the relevant logic regardless of the context, is what defines a leader with a sense of business.

The sense of business is characterized by the amplitude, frequency, and speed of the oscillation between the concrete and the abstract. It involves the capacity to rapidly move between specific details and overarching principles, extracting insights from both realms. By honing this skill, business leaders can gain a comprehensive understanding of complex situations and make informed decisions that consider both the immediate context and the long-term implications.

So, what actionable advice can we derive from these insights?

1. Embrace the 85% rule: Strive to achieve a success rate of around 85% in your learning endeavors. Challenge yourself with tasks that are slightly beyond your current capabilities but manageable with support or guidance. This level of difficulty will optimize your learning outcomes and foster growth.

2. Seek out and embrace difficulty: When faced with easily understandable information or tasks, consciously introduce challenges that require you to apply your background knowledge. Embracing difficulty can enhance your understanding, retention, and problem-solving abilities.

3. Develop a sense of business: Cultivate the ability to abstract the underlying logic from specific situations and apply it across various contexts. Continually oscillate between the concrete and the abstract, extracting insights from both realms. This skill will enable you to navigate complex business challenges and make strategic decisions that consider the temporal dimension.

In conclusion, the 85% rule for learning and the sense of business leaders share a common thread - the importance of finding the right level of challenge and embracing difficulty. Whether in the realm of education or business, optimizing learning outcomes and making informed decisions require a balance between tasks that are within our reach and those that push us beyond our current abilities. By understanding and applying these principles, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greater success in our personal and professional lives.