“Unconscious competence,” also known as “automaticity,” is a stage of competence in the learning process where a person has become highly skilled at a particular task or activity to the extent that they can perform it proficiently without conscious effort or awareness. At this stage, the individual has internalized the knowledge and skills to such a degree that they can execute them almost instinctively and with minimal thought.
The concept of unconscious competence is often represented in the context of the “Four Stages of Learning,” which are commonly attributed to Abraham Maslow, although the origin of the model is uncertain. These stages are:
- Unconscious incompetence: At this stage, a person is unaware of their lack of skill or knowledge in a particular area. They don’t know what they don’t know.
- Conscious incompetence: In this stage, the person becomes aware of their lack of proficiency and recognizes that they need to learn and develop skills in the specific area.
- Conscious competence: At this stage, the individual has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills and can perform the task, but it requires conscious effort and attention. They need to concentrate on their actions to perform well.
- Unconscious competence: This final stage is when the person has practiced and internalized the skills to such an extent that they can perform the task with ease and without conscious effort. They have reached a level of mastery, and the activity has become second nature to them.
Unconscious competence is often associated with experts and individuals who have spent a significant amount of time practicing and refining their skills. It’s common in various domains, such as sports, music, driving, typing, and other well-learned activities.
It’s important to note that reaching unconscious competence doesn’t mean that one should stop learning or striving for improvement. Even at this stage, continued practice and learning can help individuals refine their skills further and maintain their level of expertise.
© Linda C J Turner
