How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 261
Learning III is change in the process of Learning II, eg, a
corrective change in the sets of alternatives from which
choice is made (Bateson goes on here to say that 'to demand
this level of performance of some men and mammals is
sometimes pathogenic')
Learning IV would be change in Learning III, but, says
Bateson, probably does not occur in any living organism on
this Earth
Sam Webbon offered this additional perspective: "...As regards
the model's uncertain origins, the suggested link to Buddhism
seemed fitting... True enlightenment involves acting
compassionately towards and mentoring others... I like this ethic
and can imagine that the author of the Conscious Competence
model did too... The absence of ownership of the model is
consistent with the Buddhist philosophy of sharing, mentoring
and encouraging others, as would a bodhisattva..." (Thanks Sam
Webbon, May 2010)
He who knows not...
Aside from these discussions, there are indications that the
model existed in similar but different form. Various references
can be found to an ancient Oriental proverb, which inverts the
order of the highest two states:
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool shun him, (= Unconscious Incompetent)
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not is ignorant teach him, (= Conscious Incompetent)
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep - wake
him, (= Unconscious Competent)
But he who knows, and knows that he knows, is a wise man follow him. (= Conscious Competent)
This is similar to the Conscious Competence model, but not the
same. It is expressing a different perspective.
1139