The Four Quadrants of Learning for anyone who’s starting or growing their business
When I wrote my new book (which is coming out in August) I decided to remove a whole chapter.
And while it didn’t belong in the book, it’s really valuable content for anyone who’s embarking on a new journey, like starting or growing a coaching business.
So I want to share it with you today… right here.
It’s all about these four stages of learning, which are:
1. Unconscious Incompetence – you don’t know what you don’t know
This is the initial stage where you’re still unaware of what you need to learn. It usually starts with a thought like: “Hey, I think I wanna be a coach. I’m gonna have a coaching business.” Then, you discover that there are things you need to learn in order to acquire this new skill set. So, off you go to the next stage…
2. Conscious Incompetence – you know what you need to know
At this stage, you’re out of your comfort zone. It naturally feels awkward, and it’s the land of “hot mess.” That’s because as you’re learning new skills, it all still feels unfamiliar. This spot can get uncomfortable really quickly and a large percentage of people will retreat back to their comfort zones.
Perhaps they’ll think, “No thanks. I was just kidding. I don’t actually wanna be a coach. I don’t wanna have a business that badly. I’m fine. I’ll just be a hobbyist.” But for some, they realize that coaching is more than just a passion: it’s a calling – one that propels you deeper into this stage. So, you proceed and start learning what you need to know.
3. Conscious Competence – you know that you have the skill you need, but it takes diligent effort to do it
This is the stage where you know what to do, how to do it, and you’re already doing it consistently. However, it still takes diligent effort, focus, concentration, and accountability. You acknowledge that you’re making headway. And with consistency over time, you make your way into the final stage…
4. Unconscious Competence – you have the skill you need, and it feels second nature to you
When you’re at this final stage, you don’t give it any thought anymore, because it already feels effortless. What used to be something you’re still learning, is now a skill that people see as your “zone of genius.”
At the end of the day, the journey will be messy – it’s supposed to be. It’s just the natural human dynamic when you’re learning anything new.
And as a coach, regularly learning new things is a part of what we do. So whenever you’re doing something you’ve never done before…
…always remember to be gracious with yourself.
As long as you keep moving forward with intentional, consistent action, you’ll find yourself in the Unconscious Competence stage before you know it. 🙂
So think about your coaching business, and which stage of learning you’re in right now. And then find the comment section below and let me know – I’d love to hear from you!
XoXo
Thank you Melinda. It’s a great reminder that puts things in perspective.
You described the stages in a simple yet clear way. And I loved your statement:
“ …always remember to be gracious with yourself.” that in itself is a great advice for coaches as we may be compassionate with others and by far less compassionate with ourselves.
Good luck with your book.
Your question is quite empowering one. Thank you for your dint of hard work for the up coming book. The business of helping others to revognize their compelling blank space in market and
Creatively fill it profitably is amazing.
The online environment traffic, stru cture and evolving machine tools present more learning to activate. Thanks.
The Peter Principle is an excellent tool to get an honest appraisal of where we are on any subject matter. Thank you for sharing it!
Clear Rain
This is a very valuable reminder for listening closely to when and if someone is ready. Thank you. Melinda, you are continually generous with your experience, knowledge and talents. You are appreciated.
I am Conscious Competence!
I am Competint in my Coaching and am still becoming more Competint in sales and Marketing
Hi Melinda
Thanks for this chapter
Know this model and for each aspect of my business, I am on different stages, even within a skill set, some is unconscious competent, however, some still is conscious incompetence as I navigate the online terrain and technology
Thanks for this reminder and I think its a great addition to any learning module
Kind Regards
Erika
Hi Melinda, Boniwe here
I know I’m in stage 3 and I need that like minded someone who can just hold me accountable and tell me that I can do this, because I have what it takes
Thank you for this chapter of your book
I feel like I’m in between the beginning stages but leaning towards stage two.
Hi Melinda,
Thanks for this. I am familiar with these four stages of learning. I need to keep them in mind at all times and apply them daily in my life. Thanks again!
Kind regards,
Josh