The Ladder of Learning: Understanding the Hierarchy of Competence
Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions in a new skill, making mistakes but not seeming to improve? Or maybe you've mastered something so well, you don't even have to think about it anymore (“It’s like riding a bike”).
These experiences highlight a fascinating concept called the hierarchy of competence, a psychological model that explains how we learn and progress in acquiring new skills.
Now I’m always learning something new, I just like exploring things. Whether it’s:
Photography,
Exporing AI prompting,
No-Code app development,
How to make the perfect pizza dough.
There’s always something I’m trying to learn.
There’s always something to learn or get better at. Also comes at one downside,… eventually that great pizza place doesn’t have the best pizza ever anymore, or that coffee shop you always loved really grinds their beans a little too fine.
Back to the concept:
In essence it comes down to the four stages of this hierarchy of competence, the thought processes, behaviors, and challenges associated with each level. By understanding this framework, you can gain valuable insights into your own learning journey and identify strategies to become more competent in any skill you pursue. But also on how to help people you manage.
The Four Stages of Competence:
The Hierarchy of Competence
Unconscious Incompetence: This is the starting point. You are unaware of your lack of knowledge or skill in a particular area. You might not even recognize the need to learn the skill.
Example: You've never changed a car tire, and you don't even realize it's something you might need to do someday.
Conscious Incompetence: Ah, the awkward stage! You become aware of your incompetence and the challenges associated with acquiring the skill. This newfound awareness can be discouraging, but it's a crucial step towards improvement.
Example: You get a flat tire and suddenly realize you have no idea how to change it. You feel overwhelmed by the process and unsure where to begin.
Conscious Competence: This is where the real learning happens. You actively work on developing the skill, focusing on deliberate practice and overcoming mistakes. This stage requires effort and persistence.
Example: You consult a car manual or watch online tutorials to learn the steps of changing a tire. You might struggle at first, but with practice, you gradually improve.
Unconscious Competence: Congratulations! You've reached the pinnacle of the hierarchy. The skill has become second nature. You can perform it automatically and efficiently without even needing to think about the steps involved.
Example: Changing a tire becomes a breeze. You can do it quickly and confidently, even in stressful situations.
The Importance of the Hierarchy of Competence
Understanding the hierarchy of competence offers several benefits:
Manages Learning Expectations: It helps you recognize that initial struggles are normal and part of the learning process.
Boosts Motivation: Knowing the stages can motivate you to persevere through the challenges of conscious incompetence.
Improves Learning Strategies: By identifying your current stage, you can tailor your learning approach for better results.
Tips for Moving Up the Ladder:
Embrace the Challenge: Accept that learning new skills takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged by setbacks.
Seek Feedback: Ask for constructive criticism from mentors or peers to identify areas for improvement.
YouTube is your friend: A lot of things you can find in very comprehensible versions at your level on YouTube. Best examples I can give you:
Pizza dough, follow Vito Iacopelli
Photography, all of the early Peter McKinnon, Dunnadidit stuff.
No Code, Bubble.io has some very useful things on their own channel.
Coffee, follow James Hoffman
Practice Deliberately: Focus on quality practice over quantity. Break down complex skills into smaller, achievable steps.
Find a Learning Partner: Partner with someone who is also learning the skill, or find a mentor who can guide you.
The Takeaway:
The hierarchy of competence is a valuable tool for self-awareness and improving your learning journey. By understanding the stages and adopting effective learning strategies, you can overcome challenges, develop new skills, and become a master of any domain you set your mind to.