I realized that after writing my book, Inspire Tomorrow, people really wanted to know more about the learning process.  Since, the book was about leadership, I only wrote one chapter on the topic of learning.  Hopefully, these next few articles will shed some more light on the process.

In my last article I outlined the learning process.  I then went on to discuss the first phase, which is the struggle phase.  In the struggle phase we learn the steps of a process and practice the new skill.  This phase requires very close supervision to make sure we don’t adapt bad habits.

The next phase is the capable phase.  In this phase you are able to perform the steps or skill, as long as you don’t hit any snags.  When a curve ball is thrown your way you are forced to ask for help or struggle through it on your own.  Those who are capable do not need constant supervision, just make sure there is someone available if a question arises.

To get to this phase you have to start in the struggle phase.  The Air Education and Training Command of the U.S. Air Force has a training philosophy that works for almost everything.  It will get you into the capable phase very quickly.  First, you watch a demonstration of the process or skill.  Here you sit back and just observe; see how it is supposed to be completed.

Next, you try it a couple of times in pieces to understand the individual parts of the steps.  This is where the trainer takes you though this phase giving you detailed instructions.  Finally, you practice.  Repetition will commit this skill to memory.

Once you have the steps down you are in the capable phase and will continue to learn as curve balls are thrown your way.  Capable people slowly become more independent.  Ask lots of questions and learn the variations and you will soon be in the comfortable phase.

Don’t miss part 3 of  this series.  Follow me on Twitter, www.twitter.com/joeylaw or all of Wasabi Media’s writers at www.twitter.com/wasabimedia.

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