Conscious competence learning model
This is the conscious competence learning model. It was first seen in the late 60s/early 70s developed by either Martin Broadwell, Paul Curtiss and Phillip Warren or Noel Burch. It’s a useful way of thinking about how our abilities develop as we learn a new skill. Its also a really good way of explaining why people often give up early on in their learning path and the value of a trainer, teacher or coach.
The model has four stages:
Unconscious incompetence: not knowing what you don’t know
Conscious incompetence: realising what you don’t know
Conscious competence: knowing what you know
Unconscious competence: Knowing without thinking
Generally when we start out to learn a new skill or how to perform a new task we are at the first stage. We don’t really know what is involved. We will probably have seen others who are more expert carrying out the skill, possibly making it look effortless. And so we get started full of enthusiasm and confidence.
And we move straight into conscious incompetence. And it is incredibly daunting. Suddenly there are a million things we need to think about all at once. How on earth does anyone make this look easy? We must think about every action, every thought, in the correct order and get overwhelmed. Early on in this stage is when people get massively frustrated. They think they must be at fault. They look at the experts and don’t believe they’ll ever do more than fumble around. This is where people give up.
In these early stages, someone to support and advise is often the difference between moving forward and giving up. Moving from unconscious incompetence through conscious incompetence and into conscious competence, where we start to get the hang of all the various components that go together to create the skill or talent, but still have to focus on every aspect to get it right, needs someone to encourage and challenge, guide and support. If you are learning a musical instrument or how to drive get yourself a teacher. If you are trying a new sport, get yourself a trainer. And if you are embarked on a journey of personal development, a coach will help you through these early phases.
Even in the final two phases, where you can perform the task, either with a lot of focus, or in the final phase, when the talent is second nature, that external advice and support is still invaluable at helping you develop still further. Why do professional sports people at the top of their game still have coaches?
So if you are thinking of learning something new, or developing a talent, or making some changes in your life, remember this model. And get yourself someone to support you through the process. Someone who can encourage you when you feel overwhelmed or get stuck. If you’d like to talk about where coaching can help in your development adventure, drop me a line.
And check out my video where I explain the model in more detail.
#coaching #development
If you are struggling with anxieties as you return to work and looking for someone to support you then please get in touch at richard@newdaycoaching for a free, no obligation introductory chat to explore how I may be able to help you through this time. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/121-coaching
If you are an employer and would like to talk about how to support people through anxiety and stress above and beyond an EAP then drop me an email at the same address to discuss the benefits holding a session or series of sessions to do just that. https://www.newdaycoaching.co.uk/public-speaking
