Consciously Seeking Excellence
Ever wonder why some people are effective in their work while others aren't? The answer may be found in their consciousness. But it's not about being awake - it's about being aware.
There are four levels of performance consciousness. Here's what they look like.
1. Unconscious Incompetent
The Unconscious Incompetent doesn't know that he doesn't know. He's also called a DK2, which is short for, "don't know, squared." He's not only incapable, but actually clueless about his inability.
In truth, everyone is a DK2 from time to time. The challenge is to not live our lives as one because DK2 is a terminal professional condition.
But if you're saying, "Oh, Great One - stop me before I DK2 again," don't fret; we'll get to that.
2. Unconscious Competent
This person lurches uncontrollably toward success; she doesn't know how or why it happened. Sometimes we call such a person gifted or lucky. Those of us who have to work hard for everything we get call them annoying.
But don't envy the Unconscious Competent because not knowing how you got where you are is one of the definitions of lost. And any resulting success is likely to be temporary.
3. Conscious Incompetent
This person is incapable and knows it. There is no ego about what he thinks he knows and no resistance to your methods and practices. A Conscious Incompetent is an amorphous block of disciple clay waiting to be molded by you, the master sculptor.
But be careful. Sometimes this person wallows in his condition as an excuse for non-performance. Conscious Incompetence should be a temporary condition on the way to the ultimate level of consciousness.
4. Conscious Competent
This person gets the job done and knows why. She can identify what causes success but, more importantly, is fully aware - and takes ownership - of her failures.
How do you become a Conscious Competent? Through a practice called self-analysis.
Self-analysis allows us to see what we do well and capitalize on it, as well as recognize and evaluate what we don't do well and improve or minimize it.
Self-analysis isn't easy; sometimes it even stings because it requires that we control our ego.
Ego obstructs self-analysis by telling us that any success we have is because we're so smart, while assuring us that any failures we experience couldn't be our fault. Successful self-analysis is part of a conscious plan for professional improvement.
By practicing self-analysis, Conscious Competents discover the enduring benefits of being honest with themselves about their own performance.
Write this on a rock... If professional excellence were a mountain, Conscious Competence would be its peak.
Jim Blasingame, small business expert and host of The Small Business Advocate Show
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