The five-percent rule
The five-percent rule is for getting better feedback from others. If you’re looking for more candid feedback, let the giver know that you appreciate them sharing 95% of what they’re thinking, but you’d really like to hear the last 5% they aren’t saying that will really help you grow.
Taha Hussein (via LinkedIn)
I once had a manager who refused open-door policies. But he believed in something bolder: The Last 5% Rule.
After a big project, he pulled me aside. Asked for feedback on his leadership. I mumbled some polite praise. He didn’t flinch. Just smiled and said, “That’s 95% of what you’re thinking. But it’s the last 5% that’ll help me grow. What are you holding back?”
I froze. The last 5%? The part you know but never say? That felt dangerous.
I wasn’t ready that day, so he gave me homework: “Write down what’s hard to say. We’ll revisit it.”