The Faster You Reward, The Faster They Learn

Summary

• Researchers found that dogs learn faster with immediate feedback. The faster the response, the fewer repetitions needed to train the dog.
• When training or teaching anyone — be it an employee, teammate, or child — aim to minimize the delay in your feedback.
• Immediate feedback helps people learn and improve more quickly.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing immediate feedback in your training process, whether you're running a small business, working as an entrepreneur, or focusing on personal growth. Here are some actionable steps to get started:

Set Up Immediate Feedback Systems:

1. For Business Owners and Entrepreneurs:

   • Implement a real-time feedback channel. Use tools like Slack or instant messaging to give immediate responses to your team's work.
   • Hold quick, daily check-ins to address any issues and celebrate small wins. This can be done through short video calls or stand-up meetings.

2. For Personal Growth:

   • When learning new skills, self-assess immediately after each practice session. For instance, if you're learning a new language, use apps that give instant corrections.
   • Work with a buddy system. Have a friend or mentor provide instant feedback on your progress.

Minimize Feedback Delay:

1. For Training Employees:

   • Use performance tracking systems. Apps like Trello or Asana can provide real-time updates and immediate feedback on project progress.
   • Create a reward system. Recognize good work immediately. It can be as simple as a quick thank-you note or a small incentive.

2. For Personal Development:

   • Time your practice sessions so you can immediately review and correct mistakes.
   • Record your work. If you’re practicing a skill like public speaking, record yourself and watch it immediately to understand what to improve.

Make It Routine:

1. For Business:

   • Integrate immediate feedback into your corporate culture. Make it a habit for everyone to give and receive feedback without delay.
   • Offer training sessions to teach the importance and techniques of giving quick and constructive feedback.

2. For Individuals:

   • Incorporate immediate feedback into your daily routine. Reflect on your day's activities and make notes on what you did well and what needs improvement.
   • Set specific goals that require instant feedback loops, such as timed exercises or practice tests.

Implementing these strategies will help you learn and grow faster, just like the dogs in the research.

Full Transcript

researchers tried to train dogs faster and what they found was the more delay they had in their feedback to the dog the more times they had to try repeating the trick so that means that if you say sit and the dog sits and you immediately give it the treat you had to have fewer times to train the dog whereas if you said sit and then waited 30 seconds you had to have a lot of times of doing that before the dog got it when we try to learn or we're trying to teach somebody else an employee a teammate a child whatever we want the delay on the feedback to be as little as possible