Evaluation of Training (EoT) - Universal learning journey for competence

The example given below reflects the universal learning journey: from ignorance → awareness → effortful practice → effortless mastery. 

1. Unconscious Incompetence (Ignorance) - “You don’t know what you don’t know.” 

A person who has never driven a car doesn’t realize how many skills are involved - like checking mirrors, using turn signals, or coordinating clutch and gas. They may think, “Driving looks easy - I could do it right now!” - unaware of their actual inability.

2. Conscious Incompetence (Awareness) - “You know you don’t know.”

After getting behind the wheel for the first time, the same person stalls the car, forgets to signal, and feels overwhelmed. They now realize driving is harder than it looks and that they need lessons. They’re aware of their lack of skill - and ready to learn.

3. Conscious Competence (Learning) - “You know, but you have to think about it.”

After several driving lessons, the person can drive safely - but only by concentrating hard. They remember to check mirrors, shift gears correctly, and follow traffic rules - but it takes full attention. They can’t yet hold a deep conversation or multitask while driving.

4. Unconscious Competence (Mastery) - “You know so well, you do it without thinking.”

After years of driving, the person changes lanes, checks blind spots, and adjusts speed automatically - while listening to music or chatting with a passenger. The skill is now second nature, almost instinctive.

        From the above example it is clear that, Progression is sequential - We can’t skip stages - and consistent practice is essential to reach unconscious competence.

Some examples:

S. No.	Skills	Unconscious Incompetence	Conscious Incompetence	Conscious Competence	Unconscious Competence
1.	Typing	Doesn’t know touch-typing exists; types with 2 fingers and thinks it’s fine.	Realizes touch-typing is faster, tries it, and fumbles with keys.	Can type correctly using all fingers but must concentrate and look at hands occasionally.	Types quickly and accurately without looking - can even think about something else while typing.
2.	Cooking an omelette	Has never cooked; doesn’t know basic steps or why technique matters.	Tries to cook one, burns it or scrambles it -realizes more skill is needed.	Follows a recipe carefully, successfully makes a decent omelette with focus.	Whips up a perfect omelette effortlessly while chatting or multitasking.
3.	Public speaking	Believes “just talking” is enough; unaware of techniques like pacing or eye contact.	Gets nervous during a presentation, stumbles, and realizes they lack skill.	Delivers a clear speech by preparing notes, practicing, and managing nerves - but it’s effortful.	Speaks confidently and naturally without notes or anxiety; audience engagement feels automatic.
4.	Playing guitar	Thinks strumming randomly = playing; unaware of chords or rhythm.	Tries to play a song, fingers hurt, chords sound wrong - feels frustrated.	Can play a few songs correctly but needs to think about each chord change.	Plays songs fluidly without thinking; fingers move automatically to the right chords.
5.	Time Management	Always late or overwhelmed; doesn’t realize habits are the problem.	Misses a deadline, sees others succeed with planners - recognizes own poor habits.	Starts using a calendar/to do list but has to remind themselves constantly.	Plans days effortlessly; routines and priorities are second nature.
6.	Active Listening	Interrupts often, assumes they know what others mean - doesn’t see a problem.	A friend says, “You never really listen” -they realize they’re not truly present.	Focuses hard in conversations: makes eye contact, paraphrases, avoids interrupting -but it’s tiring.	Listens deeply without effort; responds thoughtfully as if it’s natural instinct.
7.	Swimming	Has never swum; thinks it’s just “moving arms and legs.”	Tries in a pool, panics, can’t stay afloat -learns it’s a real skill.	Can swim a lap using correct strokes but needs full concentration and breath control.	Swims smoothly for long distances while daydreaming or chatting with a buddy.
8.	Using a Smartphone	Elderly person avoids smartphones -thinks “I’ll never get it.”	Tries to send a text, can’t find keyboard -feels confused and helpless.	Can video-call or use apps but must follow step-by-step instructions each time.	Uses apps, takes photos, and troubleshoots issues effortlessly -like second nature.
9.	Tying Shoelaces	Toddler watches others but tries to stuff laces into shoes or leave untied.	Notices shoes come undone; tries to tie but makes loops or knots that won’t hold.	Can tie laces slowly by remembering “bunny ears” method -needs focus.	Ties shoes in seconds without looking -while talking, watching TV, or walking.
10.	Conflict Resolution	Avoids disagreements or shouts during arguments -doesn’t know there’s a better way.	After a blow-up, a mentor explains active listening and “I” statements - realizes they lack skills.	Handles a disagreement using learned techniques, but it feels awkward and planned.	Navigates tense situations calmly and empathetically - de-escalates without conscious effort.
11.	Learning a New Language (e.g., Hindi)	You don't know any Spanish and are unaware of how much grammar and vocabulary you need to learn.	You take your first class and realize you don't know how to conjugate verbs or construct basic sentences, despite knowing a few words.	You can hold a basic conversation, but you have to mentally translate in your head and consciously think about verb tense and sentence structure before speaking.	You speak fluently, naturally, and instinctively. You no longer have to think about the rules - the correct phrases and grammar simply flow out.
12.	Riding a Bicycle	You have never thought about the physics of balancing on a bike; you assume it's like walking, just faster.	After your first few failed attempts, you realize that balancing is much harder than it looks, and you keep falling over.	You can ride steadily, but you must concentrate entirely on steering and maintaining balance; you can't look away or talk easily.	You ride effortlessly, automatically adjusting your balance and speed, while you focus on the scenery or a conversation.
13.	Giving a Business Presentation	You assume a good presentation is just "talking about your topic" and you're unaware of the importance of structure, pacing, or body language.	You receive feedback that your presentation was disorganized, you used too many filler words, and you need to improve your slide design.	You can deliver a high-quality presentation, but you have to consciously remind yourself to slow down, make eye contact, and transition between slides smoothly.	You deliver powerful, engaging presentations instinctively, reading the room and improvising naturally without needing to think about your technique.

-  T. Mallikarjuna Prasad

Trainer | Facilitator | Consultant

Department of Personnel & Training

Government of India