The Importance of Tacit Knowledge and Deliberate Practice

The Importance of Tacit Knowledge and Deliberate Practice

In the realm of knowledge and skill acquisition, there has long been a debate about the relative importance of tacit knowledge and deliberate practice. Tacit knowledge refers to knowledge that cannot be easily put into words or explicitly taught. It is knowledge that is gained through emulation, action, and apprenticeship. On the other hand, deliberate practice is a method of learning that involves focused and repetitive practice in order to improve performance.

While deliberate practice has gained popularity in recent years, there is a growing recognition of the value of tacit knowledge. Tacit knowledge is often associated with complex judgment and decision-making, where there are numerous factors to consider and balance. It is this type of knowledge that allows expert operators to engage in creative problem-solving.

One of the challenges with deliberate practice is its limited applicability. It is most effective in domains with a long history of established pedagogy, such as music, math, and chess. In other fields, where explicit knowledge is limited, the process of learning tacit knowledge looks different. It involves finding a master, working under their guidance, and learning through emulation, feedback, and osmosis. This is how Warren Buffett learned from Benjamin Graham in the field of investing.

The recognition of tacit knowledge as valuable and difficult to teach has led to the field of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM). NDM focuses on finding methods to make the acquisition of tacit knowledge more effective. It is an area of expertise that is often overlooked but holds great potential for understanding how experts operate in various domains.

The concept of telling people what you want is closely related to the idea of tacit knowledge. By expressing your goals and desires, you open yourself up to opportunities and allow others to help you achieve them. No one can read your mind, and if you don't ask for what you want, you can't expect to receive it. By soliciting opinions and feedback, you show that you are open to growth and willing to take advice.

It is important to be specific when asking for what you want. Your mentors and sponsors may not always have you at the top of their minds, and they may not know the specific opportunities you are looking for. By clearly defining your desires, reasons for wanting them, and the timing of your request, you make it easier for others to help you. The act of asking puts your requests at the forefront of people's minds and reduces friction in meeting your needs.