The Difference Between Poor Achievement and Feeling Incompetent

The difference between feeling competent and incompetent can be profound. Children who feel competent view themselves as capable and able, while those who feel incompetent are often highly dependent on others. Incompetence often contributes to children's poor self-esteem, low frustration tolerance, and fear of trying new things. Moreover, it can also cause problems at home, as children who experience incompetence are hesitant to try new things.

Unconscious incompetence
What is the difference between unconscious incompetence and poor achievement? In general, conscious incompetence refers to the lack of knowledge and skill in a specific area. Training instructors often remark how simple it is to train recruits who have no experience because they are already aware of the fact that they need to learn. In contrast, conscious competence refers to the ability to do the right thing with thought and effort, which isn't nearly as good as the necessary skill for life and death.

Impostor syndrome
When a person believes that they do not have what it takes to be successful, they are susceptible to the symptoms of impostor syndrome. They may feel that their achievements are luck, or a result of timing. They may apologize for their mistakes or think that others overvalue their achievements. They may avoid higher-level achievements because of their insecurities. Impostor syndrome can also affect a person's performance at work.

Irrational beliefs about your abilities
Irrational beliefs about your ability to succeed are a common source of low self-esteem. In his book, "A Brief History of Success," Albert Ellis identifies 12 irrational beliefs that prevent people from achieving their full potential. One of the most common of these is the need for love. People who believe that they are unlovable are unlikely to ever achieve great success.

Self-reflection
Studies on reflection in educational and professional contexts are common and varied. Some conceptualise it as a multidimensional process with a variety of perspectives. Others emphasize its emotional component and suggest that reflection involves a mix of psychological and cognitive aspects. However, it is not clear how to assess reflection, and there is no standardized definition of reflection. This article explores practical ways of assessing reflection and critically reviews four challenges to assessment.

Talking to a trusted colleague or supervisor
When addressing an employee's underperformance, it is important to communicate the problem as soon as possible. Talking to a supervisor can help to clarify the situation and encourage the employee to improve their performance. If the situation is more serious, you may want to take the employee out of the spotlight or reduce their responsibilities. However, do not avoid addressing the issue as an emotional confrontation will only create more problems.