Learn how we learn everything (aka the Unconscious Competence Model)

Recently I’ve been teaching something called the “Unconscious Competence Model” in my classes and sessions a lot. I like to alternately call it the “how-we-learn-anything/OMG-this-explains-everything” model, because it describes how we learn anything new or acquire a new skill. I believe that when we dive in and hack this process it gives us a much better understanding of the work we need to do to change, and the LETTING GO we need to do to let change happen. 

I first learned the Unconscious Competence Model (also called the Four Stages of Competence) during my Fitzmaurice Voicework® teacher training back in 2011. However the concept is attributed to a man named Noel Burch who worked at a corporate training program called Gordon Training International in the 1970’s. (Thank you Noel!) Many students I’ve shared this with also mention that they’ve learned something similar in their psychology studies. As I’ve taught this model over the years, I’ve continued to innovate what I first learned… the big addition I’ve made is talking about what I call the bridges between each of the four stages.

The Unconscious Competence Model is truly one of the coolest things I’ve ever learned and one of my favorite things to teach, because I think that once you understand it you have a very clear sense of how to shift your habits, and compassion for the work it takes to do that. You can pinpoint the necessary effort, and let go of what is simply none of your biznaz.

Anyhow, have a watch on facebook!