Why Tacit Knowledge is More Important Than Deliberate Practice: Insights on Work and Learning

Why Tacit Knowledge is More Important Than Deliberate Practice: Insights on Work and Learning

Introduction:
In the quest for mastery and expertise, the importance of tacit knowledge cannot be overstated. Tacit knowledge refers to the knowledge that cannot be easily put into words but is acquired through emulation, apprenticeship, and action. It involves the embodied feelings and principles necessary for successful performance in a particular domain. On the other hand, deliberate practice, often associated with fields like music, math, and chess, focuses on explicit instruction and adherence to established pedagogy. In this article, we will explore why tacit knowledge holds greater value and how it relates to the findings on what makes us feel good about our work.

The Limitations of Explicit Instruction:
When it comes to complex judgment and decision-making, tacit knowledge reigns supreme. The ability to balance multiple considerations and make instantaneous solutions is difficult to learn through explanation alone. Tacit knowledge encompasses the nuances, branches, and gotchas that cannot be easily encoded into explicit instructions or expert systems. In fact, relying solely on procedural lists denies individuals the opportunity to build expertise and hampers their creative problem-solving skills. Therefore, it is more beneficial to accept tacit knowledge as a fact and focus on gaining it directly rather than hoping for explicit breakthroughs.

The Process of Learning Tacit Knowledge:
Learning tacit knowledge follows a distinct pattern. It involves finding a master in the field and working under their guidance for a considerable period. Through emulation, feedback, and osmosis, individuals internalize the principles and skills necessary for expertise. A classic example is Warren Buffett, who spent years working under Benjamin Graham to learn the ropes of investing. This process emphasizes the importance of learning through experience rather than deliberate practice. Researchers in the field of Naturalistic Decision Making (NDM) are constantly exploring methods to enhance the effectiveness of tacit knowledge acquisition.

Connecting Tacit Knowledge to Work Satisfaction:
The findings on what makes us feel good about our work shed further light on the importance of tacit knowledge. One key insight is that shredding someone's effort in front of them or ignoring their performance can easily diminish their joy and sense of meaning. Regardless of how much a person loves their work, external evaluation or lack thereof is not correlated with satisfaction. Instead, people value what they put effort into more and believe others would value it as well. This highlights the connection between effort, meaning, and work satisfaction.

The Importance of Effort and Connection:
Effort plays a crucial role in building a sense of connection to one's work. If a task is too easy or requires no effort, individuals struggle to feel a meaningful connection. Taking the example of cake mix, when the eggs and milk were removed from the powder, people no longer felt a sense of ownership or pride in the final product. Effort invested in a task increases its perceived value and enhances motivation. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that individuals feel a sense of connection and meaning through the effort they put into their work.

The Power of Meaning and Motivation:
Meaning holds immense significance in driving motivation and satisfaction in work. When people find meaning in their tasks, their motivation levels increase, and they become more engaged. Ignoring someone's performance or simply scanning it without acknowledgment can be as detrimental as shredding their effort in front of them. Recognizing and appreciating the effort individuals put into their work dramatically improves their motivation. It is essential to invest time, energy, and effort in getting people to care more about what they do to foster a sense of meaning.

The Perception of Ownership and Pride:
Ownership and pride are additional factors that contribute to work satisfaction. When individuals perceive their work as their own creation and feel a sense of ownership, they derive greater enjoyment and value from it. The example of builders valuing origami pieces they created more than those externally evaluated demonstrates this phenomenon. The builders were willing to pay significantly more for their creations, believing that others would also appreciate them. This perception of ownership and pride enhances personal satisfaction and creates a sense of identity.

Actionable Insights for Improved Learning and Work Satisfaction:

1. Embrace Tacit Knowledge: Recognize the value of tacit knowledge and prioritize learning through emulation, apprenticeship, and experience. Seek out mentors or masters in your field to gain invaluable insights and skills.

2. Foster Meaning and Connection: Encourage individuals to invest effort in their work to foster a sense of connection and meaning. Recognize and appreciate the effort they put into their tasks to enhance motivation and satisfaction.

3. Cultivate Ownership and Pride: Create an environment where individuals perceive their work as their own creation. Encourage a sense of ownership and pride in their achievements to boost satisfaction and engagement.

Conclusion:
Tacit knowledge, with its emphasis on emulation and action, holds greater importance than deliberate practice. It allows individuals to develop complex judgment and decision-making skills, which are difficult to acquire through explicit instruction alone. The findings on work satisfaction further highlight the significance of effort, meaning, and connection in fostering motivation and engagement. By incorporating these insights into our learning and work environments, we can create a more fulfilling and rewarding experience for individuals seeking mastery and satisfaction.