Practice makes perfect • 3 min read

Anders Ericsson, a renowned cognitive psychologist, spent years studying how top experts acquire their skills. One striking example from his research explored the routines of world-class violinists, who typically practiced about 50 hours each week.
What distinguished the best performers was not just the quantity but the quality of their practice—specifically, their adherence to a disciplined approach of three 90-minute morning sessions with breaks in between.
Ericsson’s research highlights a common thread among elite performers across fields such as music, athletics, chess, and writing: deliberate practice. This structured, focused approach is essential to peak performance, and organizations can apply these principles to help their employees excel.
Introduction
Employees deliver their best work when they can give their full attention to a task. Whether aiming to close a client deal, complete a high-stakes project, or give a presentation, employees perform at their peak when focused and distraction-free. Concentrated, intentional engagement leads to quality results.
However, learning new skills and embedding productive behaviors can be challenging for employees, especially when they encounter obstacles. Often, they revert to familiar tasks that demand less mental energy. As a leader, supporting employees in tackling “just-manageable” challenges—those slightly beyond their comfort zones—can accelerate growth and skill development.
Just about manageable challenges
Encouraging employees to pursue challenges that are “just about manageable” can strengthen their capabilities and foster growth. Tasks that push slightly beyond their current skill level are in the “sweet spot” for development. Employees who regularly work in this zone are better positioned to learn and grow.
While it’s essential to push boundaries, overwhelming challenges may lead to frustration and disengagement. Encourage your workforce to incrementally stretch their abilities by taking on tasks that expand on what they’ve already mastered. This approach nurtures confidence and resilience without causing burnout.
Top performers set themselves apart by focusing on a single task at a time, isolating specific skills, and practicing with a deliberate, distraction-free focus. These are valuable lessons for the workplace. By encouraging employees to develop this practice, you help them lay a foundation for sustained professional growth.
Deliberate practice...in practice!
Complex skills can be broken down into smaller, manageable components that employees can practice repeatedly. Consider how a member of your team, let’s say Aisling, might prepare for a high-stakes presentation by leveraging deliberate practice:
Inside her comfort zone
Aisling clicks through the slides in her head while answering emails, responding to messages, and dealing with other distractions. Her preparation lacks focus, limiting her improvement.
Outside her comfort zone
She leaves her phone in another room, turns off notifications, and devotes a focused 60-minute block to practicing the presentation out loud. This concentrated effort increases her engagement and retention.
Developing her capability
Aisling further hones her abilities by practicing with a colleague who can provide feedback. This approach improves her comfort level and confidence, equipping her to deliver a stronger presentation.
Key takeaways
Support deliberate, focused work: Employees achieve better outcomes when they engage in distraction-free work.
Encourage just-manageable challenges: Targeting tasks slightly beyond current abilities leads to growth while maintaining morale.
Limit distractions: Studies show that the mere presence of a phone can lower performance on complex tasks. Encourage employees to reduce distractions during focused work periods to enhance productivity.
Think big. act small
Encourage your workforce to think about their development goals broadly but to take small, consistent steps in achieving them.
Help employees identify and remove distractions, enabling them to commit to deliberate practice for growth.
Content sources
Deep Work, Cal Newport
TED Talks, The Official Guide to Public Speaking, Chris Anderson
The American Psychological Association, The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance, Anders Ericsson, Ralf Krampe and Clemens Tesch-Romer
The Guardian, Blow to 10,000-hour rule as study finds practice doesn't always make perfect, Ian Sample
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