About two weeks ago, I was reminded of the four stages of competence.
When learning a new skill, a person starts with unconscious incompetence, moves to conscious incompetence, then on to conscious competence. Finally, after lots of practice, a person achieves unconscious competence–they know how to do the task without even thinking about it. The conscious incompetence stage resonated with my current situation. The conscious incompetence phase is when you realize what you don’t know.
Conscious incompetence perfectly describes the life of a Ph.D. student. A Ph.D. program pushes you to the ragged edge of your knowledge and abilities—and that’s just the entrance exam. Professors stretch students beyond their talents and personal giftedness. The moment you acquire a new skill, you are pushed further. There is more to know.
The reminder about conscious incompetence came at just the right time. We had just endured another time change, I was recovering from a knee surgery, my Ph.D. seminar deadlines were pressing in, and it was a busy time in ministry. I was feeling down and stressed. My confidence was low. Sure, the confluence of stressors contributed to my mood, but I realized that the real issue was conscious incompetence. I am in a season of knowing what I don’t know—in my studies and ministry.
First and foremost, my Ph.D. seminar this fall has pushed me far beyond my limits. We have studied and translated at least five languages written in two alphabets and an alphabetic cuneiform. I have felt behind all semester. Most of all, I have been confronted with knowing what don’t know on a daily basis. Yet a funny thing has happened … during the semester, I moved toward conscious competency in the one alphabet and language I needed most for my ongoing research. I am sure there will be many more days of conscious incompetence while I try to complete my degree.
At most times in my life, I have only been in the conscious incompetence stage in one sphere of life. But that is not the case right now. I am only about a year and a half into my pastoral role, and there is still much to learn. Our church is growing and changing. In fact, it was in the context of a strategic planning and vision-framing session with a group at the church that stages of competence came up. Each day, I realize more of the things I need to know to do ministry well. I am recognizing the skills I need to develop.
Here are a few insights I gained as I pondered conscious incompetence:
- Finding the end of your abilities and natural gifts is good (especially in ministry).
- Your worth is not connected to your abilities or skills – No skill or ability can do more than God did at creation – the Bible says God created us in His image. God has assigned your worth regardless of your weaknesses and strengths.
- Knowing what you don’t know is a gift if you keep the proper perspective.
Conscious incompetence can be very uncomfortable. It wounds your pride and erodes your confidence if you let it. However, it also can be a fantastic gift that pushes you to growth, knowledge, and new skills.
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