“Skill Acquisition: From Conscious Incompetence to Unconscious Competence" a.k.a Mtn Biking with My Friend Jeff.

In today's professional world, the ability to adapt and learn new skills is a crucial factor in achieving career success. Jobs change, technology evolves and industries transform, we must embrace a mindset of continuous learning to stay relevant and competitive.

?I recently started a new job, doing what I thought would be basically the same as what I had been doing for 15 years(unconscious incompetence).? Working on the new skills and knowledge base needed to perform the duties it quickly became apparent that I had a great deal to learn(conscious incompetence).??

Today I want to explore acquiring new skills, understanding the concept of conscious incompetence, and ultimately reaching the pinnacle of mastery – unconscious competence.

I love to ride bikes, all sorts of bikes, all types of riding from the intensity of a cycling leg of a triathlon to a fat tire ride in fresh snow and everything in between.? I have tried to share my passion with others, so they can experience the same joys.

?We tend to think that there are skills we never forget, like how to ride a bike balancing, pedaling, and steering. Most people remember the first time the training wheels came off or the moment our parent's hand let go of the back of the seat (known as scaffolding in the training world) and we were off down the driveway.

Riding a mountain bike on wooded trails is not the same as riding an old-school single-speed bike down the sidewalk with the coaster brake ( the one where you peddle backward to stop).? The two are as different as my old job and the new one.

A year or so back I got my friend Jeff to go mountain biking with me on the wooded trails along the river.? The first few times he rode one of my bikes.? He had not ridden a bike in years.?

When Jeff and I started to ride it never occurred to me that he did not understand how the gears worked or which lever controlled what brake, let alone what gear to shift in and when to shift. I do not think it occurred to him either, this is unconscious incompetence

The Stages of Competence:

Unconscious Incompetence

A blissful state of unawareness. At this stage, individuals are ignorant of their lack of proficiency in a particular skill. Whether it's mountain biking or starting a new position, the first step toward growth is acknowledging the need for improvement. Embracing a mindset of curiosity and self-awareness is essential to transition from unconscious incompetence to conscious incompetence.

Conscious Incompetence

The awakening.? A conscious recognition of the gap in knowledge or ability marks this stage.? When one realizes one's inadequacy in a specific skill. While it may feel uncomfortable to confront one's limitations, it is a crucial step toward growth. Acknowledging conscious incompetence opens the door to intentional learning, paving the way for targeted skill development.??

Acknowledging your conscious incompetence is not a sign of weakness; instead, it is a courageous step toward personal and professional development. Here are some strategies to navigate this stage effectively.??

Set Clear Learning Goals, by defining specific, measurable, and achievable goals. Break down the larger skills into smaller, manageable tasks, making the learning more attainable.

Build yourself some scaffolding for support.? Actively seek feedback from mentors and colleagues. Constructive feedback is invaluable in providing insights into areas of improvement and guiding your learning process.

Find some training wheels.? Engage in deliberate practice, focusing on areas of weakness. Repetition breeds retention and targeted efforts enhance your understanding and performance, gradually moving you toward conscious competence.

Conscious Competence

As intentional learning and practice take root, folks move into conscious competence. At this point, applying the newly acquired skill requires concentration and effort. However, consistent practice and application make competence more natural and refined.? At this point, you are likely to be enjoying your bike rides and also become familiar with the terrain, finding what they call the line on the trail.?

Unconscious Competence:

The pinnacle of skill mastery is reached when competence becomes second nature. Individuals operating at the level of unconscious competence can perform tasks effortlessly, almost on autopilot. The skill is ingrained to the point where it becomes an integral part of their professional toolkit.? Here is where you are riding in a zen-type state. Your cadence is smooth, you are shifting rears without even thinking about it and shifting your body to make more finite adjustments as you are zipping, bobbing, and weaving your way down the wooded path.

Learning new skills is a transformative process that demands self-awareness, dedication, and resilience. Embrace the discomfort of conscious incompetence, utilize deliberate practice, seek guidance, and gradually progress towards unconscious competence. In a world that constantly evolves, the ability to learn and adapt is not just a skill but a lifelong asset that propels individuals toward continuous growth and success in their careers.