Achieving Professional Growth with the 70 20 10 Model for Career Development

Aspiring professionals often wonder how they can achieve growth in their careers. While there are many models and strategies out there, one that has gained considerable traction in recent years is the 70 20 10 model for career development. In this article, we will take a closer look at this model and how you can use it to achieve professional growth.

What is the 70 20 10 Model?

The 70 20 10 model was first introduced in the 1980s by three researchers at the Centre for Creative Leadership. The model suggests that 70% of learning and development happens through on-the-job experiences, 20% through feedback and coaching, and the remaining 10% through formal training programs.

The model challenges the notion that formal training is the only way to achieve professional growth and emphasizes the importance of learning through experience, feedback, and coaching. By focusing on these areas, professionals can develop new skills, knowledge, and competencies, which can help them progress in their careers.

How to Apply the 70 20 10 Model

Now that we know what the 70 20 10 model is, let’s look at how you can apply it to your career development. Below are some tips on how to maximize each of the three learning areas:

On-The-Job Experiences (70%)

The bulk of your learning and development should come from your on-the-job experiences. To make the most of this learning area, you should:

– Take on new challenges and assignments that stretch your skills and knowledge.
– Seek out feedback from your colleagues, supervisors, and clients to help you improve.
– Reflect on your experiences and identify areas for growth.

Feedback and Coaching (20%)

Getting feedback from others is an essential part of professional growth. To make the most of this learning area, you should:

– Seek out regular feedback from your colleagues, supervisors, and clients.
– Use feedback to identify areas for improvement and create an action plan.
– Work with a coach or mentor to get personalized support and guidance.

Formal Training (10%)

While formal training is the smallest portion of the 70 20 10 model, it can still be a valuable learning opportunity. To make the most of this learning area, you should:

– Identify the formal training programs that align with your career goals and interests.
– Attend training sessions with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
– Apply what you learn in formal training to your on-the-job experiences.

Examples of the 70 20 10 Model in Action

To better understand how the 70 20 10 model can be applied to career development, let’s look at some examples:

Example 1: A software developer wants to improve her coding skills. She takes on a challenging coding project and seeks feedback from her colleagues to improve. She also meets regularly with a coding mentor to get personalized coaching. Finally, she attends a formal coding bootcamp to increase her technical knowledge.

Example 2: A sales executive wants to become a better communicator. He seeks out opportunities to speak at industry events and solicits feedback from the audience to improve. He also works with a communication coach to get personalized guidance. Finally, he attends a public speaking workshop to learn new techniques.

Key Takeaways

The 70 20 10 model offers a holistic framework for career development that emphasizes the importance of on-the-job experiences, feedback, and coaching. By focusing on these areas, professionals can achieve growth in their careers and develop new skills and competencies. To make the most of the model, professionals should take on new challenges, seek feedback and coaching, and identify relevant formal training opportunities. By following these steps, you can use the 70 20 10 model to advance your career and achieve professional growth.