In today’s workplace, everyone wants a shortcut to faster promotions — more courses, more certificates, more upskilling apps. But decades of research say something radically different: formal learning contributes the least to actual career growth.

The most effective way to develop professionally is through a simple, practical framework known as the 70-20-10 growth formula, created by career researchers Lombardo and Eichinger.

This model reshapes how we think about learning. It says that successful professionals grow through:

70% hands-on work experience

20% mentorship, feedback, and coaching

10% structured courses or training

Instead of relying solely on textbooks, webinars, or LinkedIn certificates, the formula pushes you into real-world challenges — the kind that shape leadership,

See Full Page