The Four Learning Stages Every Expert Goes Through (Including You)
Why Getting Good At Anything Feels Awkward
There’s a reason learning anything new can feel wildly uncomfortable.
Recently, I came across a framework that explained this feeling perfectly: the Four Stages of Learning. Originally developed by Noel Burch in the 1970s, it’s one of those simple-but-powerful models that helps us normalize what it actually feels like to grow.
Whether you're learning to be a better communicator, taking a new course, stepping into a new leadership role, or just trying to figure out an AI tool, we all move through these same four stages.
Stage 1: Unconscious Incompetence
You don’t know what you don’t know.
This is the easy stage. It is the blissful (and dangerous) beginner zone. You're doing something poorly, but you're not even aware of it yet.
You're doing something wrong, but you feel fine because you don't realize it yet.
When I learnt Excel in high school, I thought there was no good use to pivot tables. Also because I did not have a good use case for it. I had no clue about it’s real power for analyzing data until I started doing some research work in college.
Same thing happened when I became a manager. Every time my team brought me a problem, I jumped in to solve it. I thought I was being helpful. I didn't realize until later that I was actually making them less effective by not letting them figure things out themselves.
At work, I’ve seen so many well-meaning leaders stuck here. They think they’re being clear, communicative or inspiring, but their team feels confused or shut down. They don’t see it that way, and nobody is willing to tell them about it.
But this is part of the learning process. Awareness always finds its way in.
Stage 2: Conscious Incompetence
You know what you don’t know.
This is where it gets uncomfortable.
You suddenly see all the ways you're getting it wrong. Your confidence takes a hit. You might feel embarrassed about how you've been doing things.
You start to realize all the ways you're not quite getting it right.
I remember my first client demo call. The sales team invited me to demo our product. I thought I was prepared. I wasn’t. I’m so glad that my manager took the time to show me his script for how he handled these product demo calls. The learning curve humbled me fast. But it also motivated me. Eventually, the sales team specifically requested me for product demos.
This stage stings, but it's also where real growth begins. Don't run from the discomfort. It means you're learning. This is awareness of your blind spot, which makes it easier for you to spend time on it and becoming better at it.
Stage 3: Conscious Competence
You can do it, but it takes work.
Now you’re starting to get the hang of it. You're applying what you’ve learned, but it still requires intentionality.
When I first learnt how to write SQL queries, it seemed hard. Over time and with experience I started becoming really good at it. I would often go back to reviewing the books or referring to expert blogs on how to get even better at it. I’ve now used it for some complex data analysis on unstructured data.
This stage is about building the muscle. You get stuck often, and refer back to the basics. It takes practice, effort, focus, and over time you become competent in that area.
It’s like learning to drive. You have to think through every step at first. But the more you do it, the smoother it becomes.
Stage 4: Unconscious Competence
You don’t even have to think about it anymore.
This is the sweet spot. You've practiced so much that the skill feels automatic.
Think about your daily drive to work. Some days you arrive and wonder how you got there. Your brain was on autopilot for that familiar route.
This is when an artist can sketch something beautiful without planning every line. When leaders reach this stage, they don’t need to "remember the script." Their presence shifts. People feel seen, heard, supported, and the leader is simply being themselves, but with more intention and skill.
The Point
Whatever you’re learning right now, a new course, leadership, self-care, parenting, public speaking, or anything in between - don’t beat yourself up for not being an expert at it just yet.
You’re just in one of these four stages.
You’re doing the work.
You’re learning.
Its all about the iterations and practice. And like any good journey, this one is worth staying with, awkward parts and all.
Hi, I’m Dipti, and I work with ambitious professionals navigating growth and change. Each week, I share practical insights, personal stories on leadership and intentional living.
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