Contrary to what some people think, incompetence is not a bad thing. It’s merely a phase one goes through on the way to being competent in a new skill; enter the competency model…. Personally I love this model. It’s simple, has many applications but most of all it just makes sense.I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “Confidence is the feeling you have before you truly understand the situation”, so consider this phase 1 of the competency cycle; a blissful state of ignorance.For brevity I’ve defined this cycle in the table below and I’m sure in a few moments you’ll see what I mean.
Again, it seems simple, but I’ve found this to be a great framework for pep talks to friends and colleagues alike that are going through change; either personally or professionally.
Just knowing your feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy (conscious incompetence phase) are not only normal, but most likely to be temporary, can give people the strength to push through and achieve goals they never dreamed possible.
So go on, challenge yourself, give “incompetence” a go!!!!
