There are four (4) levels of Competency:
- Unconsciously Competent: At this level, the person is so Competent, that their reactions are automatic. An example would be driving your car and seeing a child run out into the street. You would automatically slam on the brakes and steer your vehicle, so that you would not hit the child. You would not need to think about it, because you are ” Unconsciously Competent.
- Consciously Competent: At this level of Competency, you can complete something or do something, but it would require some thinking. For example, I can solve the Rubic’s Cube, but I need to think about the steps as I do it. For me, it is not automatic, but for some people it is, which would make them Unconsciously Competent.
- Consciously Incompetent: At this level of Competency, you cannot do something, and you know that you cannot do it. For example, if you have never have flown an airplane or taken any flight lessons, would you think you could get into a plane and fly it? Probably not, because you are Consciously Incompetent.
- Unconsciously Incompetent: At this level of Competency, you cannot do something, but you do not know that you can’t. This level can be very dangerous. A good example of this is Donald Trump. He thinks he knows more about ISIS than all of his Generals. He thinks he knows more about Technology than anyone in the world. He thinks he is the greatest at business even though he went Bankrupt six (6) times. He thought he could “Wipe-Out” the National Debt, but is increasing it instead. He believed he had the largest Inaugural crowd in history, even though he did not. He thought he only hired the “Best People” but several are going to or are already in jail. Donald Trump is Unconsciously Incompetent. God help us all.
Dennis R. Hill 