Noel Tichy and the 3 Zones of Learning

The learning zone is different for each person and will change over time.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
Share

This is no different than physical activity where with consistent practice we will all improve. When it comes to developing talent in yourself and in others, it is important to know the boundaries of the learning zone as defined by Noel Tichy in his 3 Zones of Learning model.

Leadership Tools: Noel Tichy's 3 Zones of Learning. Panic zone, Learning zone, and Comfort zone.

The learning zone will vary for each person, depending on the subject matter. This is the same for physical activities. Someone may have great cardio capacity and be able to train for hours at a time. That same person could get fatigued very quickly with a power-lifting routine.

It is important to move into the “Panic Zone” regularly as a way to stretch the “Learning Zone.” This is the physical equivalent of training to failure with weights or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training).  

It is critical to schedule appropriate times for “rest” in the “Comfort Zone,” because that is where physical and mental growth really takes place.  

Just like physical training, things like sleep, nutrition, and consistency play a huge factor. Few people are disciplined with their health and physical conditioning. Even fewer are disciplined with the mental equivalent because it is much harder to see or measure.

The Little Book of Talent provides 52 excellent tips for improving.




From Financial Management to Business Management
As contractors go through different stages of growth it often makes sense to expand the financial management role into more comprehensive business management role. At exactly what stage a contractor starts to expand this role depends on.
Underlying Causes of Changes on Projects
Start improving your change management skills by creating some categories of the underlying causes of changes your company experiences.
Two Planning Dimensions
Some of the impacts you see on a project are not as clear as a design change, conflict, or obviously changed condition. Some impacts, such as poor project sequencing or congested work areas are hard to notice if you don’t have good tracking systems.