"The 85% Rule for Learning and the Real Reason Companies Continue with Morning Meetings"

"The 85% Rule for Learning and the Real Reason Companies Continue with Morning Meetings"

Learning, whether it be for humans or machines, seems to be optimized when we succeed around 85% of the time. This finding aligns with the optimal error rate for training in stochastic gradient-descent based learning algorithms, which is around 15.87%. In other words, the optimal training accuracy is approximately 85%. Interestingly, these results are reminiscent of Barak Rosenshine's study on successful classrooms, where he found that an 80% success rate was ideal. Despite the different theoretical backgrounds, both the 85% rule and Rosenshine's findings suggest that adjusting the amount of support based on the success rate can enhance learning outcomes.

Various theories of optimal learning also point to a sweet spot for difficulty. Lev Vygotsky's zone of proximal development suggests that tasks slightly beyond our current abilities, but still achievable with assistance from others, maximize learning. This idea resonates with the 85% rule, as it implies that learning is most effective when we are challenged just enough to require support but not overwhelmed.

Furthermore, research on reading comprehension reveals that greater difficulty can be beneficial when it comes to tasks that require inference or problem-solving. When a text is easy to understand, we often don't invest much effort in creating a mental model of its content. However, when faced with a more challenging text, we are forced to retrieve background knowledge and engage in deeper processing. This struggle ultimately enhances learning by promoting the creation of a more comprehensive mental model.

Anders Ericsson's model of deliberate practice supports the idea that difficulty is crucial for maximizing our potential. According to Ericsson, when skills become automatic, we tend to plateau at levels of ability that are far below what we could achieve with continued practice. By deliberately seeking out challenging tasks, we can push beyond these plateaus and unlock our true potential.

In the realm of management, the persistence of morning meetings in Japanese companies is often met with skepticism. Many consider them to be a waste of time and a meaningless ritual. However, there is a deeper reason behind this practice. As businesses expand, it becomes essential to utilize the full range of talents within the organization, including those in the middle or lower tiers (referred to as the "ume" or "plum" layer). To effectively manage these individuals, seemingly trivial measures like morning meetings and daily reports are implemented.

The reality is that many team members struggle to perform tasks that may seem straightforward to others. In such cases, introducing mechanisms of conformity and surveillance, such as gathering at a specific time in the morning to discuss the day's plans or reporting on completed tasks, becomes necessary. These practices create a sense of accountability and pressure to align with the group, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals.

In conclusion, the 85% rule for learning and the persistence of morning meetings in Japanese companies may appear unrelated at first glance. However, they both emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between challenge and support. Whether it's in the context of individual learning or managing a team, optimizing difficulty can lead to better outcomes. Here are three actionable pieces of advice based on these insights:

1. Embrace the 85% rule: When learning new skills or studying, aim for an 85% success rate. If you're consistently achieving 100% accuracy, it may be a sign that the material is too easy and not contributing to optimal learning. On the other hand, if your success rate is below 85%, consider seeking additional support or adjusting the level of difficulty to ensure you're in the sweet spot.

2. Seek out challenging tasks: Deliberately practice skills that are slightly beyond your current abilities. By pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone, you can continue to improve and prevent plateauing at suboptimal levels of proficiency. Remember that it's the struggle and effort that lead to the most significant growth.

3. Foster a culture of accountability: If you're in a management position, consider implementing mechanisms to promote accountability and alignment within your team. This can include regular check-ins, morning meetings, or daily reports. By creating an environment where individuals feel responsible for their actions and are motivated to meet expectations, you can harness the full potential of your team.

By incorporating these actionable advice into your learning or management practices, you can optimize outcomes and drive continuous improvement. Remember, finding the right balance between challenge and support is key to achieving success.