What is the best way to learn new skills?

Some years ago, I was excited and at the same time a bit scared, as I was offered a role where I had absolutely no mastering of the skills needed for the role. However, the leader had confidence in me and understood how being motivated to learn something new is the best driver to learn new skills.

As a result of my lack of the needed skills - did I need to participate in training for months before starting in the new role? No, I did not! Now, this might come as a surprise for you – but the best way to learn skills is by applying the 70-20-10 principles. And what is that?

Up until around 1980’s most people believed that learning new skills required in-class training and diplomas. However, in the 1980’s McCall, Lombardo, and Eichinger research revealed that when we realise and understand the need for new skills to meet current or future needs that becomes the main driver for us to acquire new skills. Meaning, once we see a need for new skills, we get motivated. For 70% of the needed skills, we learn from challenging assignments on the job. 70%!

The next 20% of the 70-20-10 principles come from developmental relationships, meaning when we receive feedback from peers or leaders. This is also known as social learning and an informal type of learning, not following a specific pattern but instead occur naturally.

Finally, the last 10% of the 70-20-10 principles is what we call structured or formal learning such as in-class training, on-demand courses, books, articles etc.

Linking back to me taking the role without mastering the skills needed – how did that go? It went perfectly well! I did some reading and attended a couple of sessions to learn the basics (10%), then I had good colleagues and leader providing needed mentoring and coaching (20% - the social learning), and finally – I had a steep learning curb as I every day did on-the-job training (70%). Did I manage to master the needed skills? – yes, I did. I quickly came up to speed while enjoying the learning journey.

So, my takeaway? – always take the chance to learn something new. Stay curious, stay motivated – and enjoy the learning journey.