{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://jacob.blog/notes/the-five-percent-rule",
  "path": "/notes/the-five-percent-rule",
  "publishedAt": "2025-07-23T00:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "at://did:plc:ckthoyuvsmkp254fyuinyzb2/site.standard.publication/3mndm6tiamb26",
  "tags": [
    "feedback",
    "management"
  ],
  "textContent": "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.\n\n> [!quote] Taha Hussein (via LinkedIn)\n>\n> I once had a manager who refused open-door policies. But he believed in something bolder: The Last 5% Rule.\n>\n> 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?”\n>\n> I froze. The last 5%? The part you know but never say? That felt dangerous.\n>\n> I wasn’t ready that day, so he gave me homework: “Write down what’s hard to say. We’ll revisit it.”",
  "title": "The five-percent rule"
}