The 5 Stages of Competence for Learning Any New Skill

When learning something new there is a process that occurs within your mind and this is especially evident when embarking upon your online venture with Wealthy Affiliate.

Most people and I include myself here, can become somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of information there is to learn. It’s worth being aware of the stages of learning we go through so we can be easy with ourselves as we move towards accomplishing our goal.

This is Called The 5 Stages of Competence

This model originally developed by Noel Burch in the 1970’s had four stages. Later the model was expanded to incorporate a fifth stage, which you will see the value of as you read on. The purpose here is to give you an understanding of what you are experiencing and how this is really useful for new members you introduce to the Wealthy Affiliate program.

It will also allow YOU to enjoy the process rather than fight against it or resist it!

Stage #1: UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE

This first stage is where we have no idea how to do something! Two things happen at this point, you either walk away for lack of interest or not recognizing the value of the new skill to be learnt.

Some people spend a long time at this stage as it depends upon the motivation behind the need or desire to learn.

This explains why some people when first introduced to Wealthy Affiliate will take some time before committing themselves to the training. At this stage it’s important to know ‘WHY’ they want it because without a purpose the motivation may be lacking.

If you can help someone discover their ‘Why’ then the first stage can successfully complete.

Transitioning Process: FEEDBACK is essential for transitioning from stage 1 to stage 2.

Stage #2: CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE

At this stage you become aware that you do not understand something or know how to do something. BUT because you recognize the value in learning this new skill you have the motivation to take action.

You realize that learning this new skill will lead you somewhere and often, at this point you feel extremely excited and eager to learn. Did you not feel this way when you first embarked on Wealthy Affiliate? What a great feeling!

It is natural that mistakes are made, or learning is slow at this stage. You are refining your skill through practice – you are reaching for competence of your newly acquired skill.

If you can learn to relax and allow yourself to enjoy the process, to refrain as best you can from resistance of not knowing and realize that things will change and improve, it will likely happen faster.

Everyone learns and progresses at a different pace. Usually this is because any previous knowledge can be garnered and built into this stage. Revisit the skills you may have touched on in the past and see how they can now help you in this new skill.

Transitioning Process: Absorbing KNOWLEDGE will allow for transitioning from stage 2 to stage 3.

Stage #3: CONSCIOUS COMPETENCE

Here you understand or know how to do something. While you can demonstrate the skill or knowledge it requires concentration and effort. It is often helpful to break down the task into smaller steps or more detailed processes.

Heavy conscious involvement is often required at this stage and if could explain if you are feeling more fatigued. Just be aware that this stage will pass. The bonus here is that fewer mistakes are being made!

Transitioning Process: EXPERIENCE of implementation of the knowledge you have learnt.

Stage #4: UNCONSCIOUS COMPETENCE

By this stage you have had so much refining practice of your skill that it now has become “second nature” and you do not really need to think about what to do.

The tasks that you need to perform related to this skill are so ingrained that you can easily do them alongside other tasks. The frequency of errors are extremely low too.

Transitioning Process: SHARE by sharing your knowledge and experience you have achieved unconscious competence in your skill.

Stage #5: SHARED COMPETENCE

The fifth stage, shared competence, you are so comfortable with the tasks of the skill you have learnt that you able to teach others with full explanation and understanding of the task.

I hope that this article will have given you greater understanding of the learning process that occurs as you create and grow your online presence and that this will therefore allow you to enjoy it every step of the wonderful way!

Finally in the words of Sir Francis Bacon, “Knowledge Is Power.”

If you have enjoyed this article then feel free to share it. If you have any questions I am always happy to help - you can contact me through my Wealthy Affiliate profile.

Janice Bowles