22. The quickest way to learn is through practice
There are two approaches to training boxers. The first one, which I call the “Soviet” approach, starts with grasping the technique. Children are drilled for years, learn how to punch properly, and sharpen their boxing skills. The “American” approach, on the other hand, takes into account the individual characteristics of a boxer. A newbie boxer is invited to fight in the boxing ring, while the coach assesses his main strengths that will be built upon. Both approaches have proven effective in giving rise to great boxers, but the American approach tends to have quicker results.
In 2011, I had 15 UX designer vacancies. This was more candidates than the market could offer at the time, so we decided to open a UX design school within our company and apply the American approach to training. Our students went straight to practice and obviously made a lot of mistakes. Tutors would then go through the mistakes and focus on areas for improvement. The rest was up to the student and their willingness to self-study: we provided very little help with this. Some students were put off by it, some couldn’t cope with the speed of learning. But those who “survived” the school are now working in the world’s leading companies.
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