Feedback and fluency LO19593

Jon Krispin (jkrispin@prestolitewire.com)
Thu, 22 Oct 1998 08:43:11 -0400

I like the recent discussions of the list around competency and feedback!
The idea of feedback being crucial to learning is clearly spelled out in
the Fifth Discipline in the discussion of creative tension (Senge actually
borrows heavily from the writing of Robert Fritz - The Path of Least
Resistance and Creating). The act of creation (lower case "c"), whether
on an individual level or on an organizational level requires, on a
fundamental level, at least an awareness of two points. Point 1, the
vision, involves having some idea of where one is headed. Point 2, which
requires feedback, is an accurate understanding of present reality.
Awareness of these 2 areas allows one to identify the "path of least
resistance" between the 2, and to recognize when a step they have taken
has moved them in the desired direction (closer to the vision). These
concepts are also implicit in Deming's theory of management. His concept
of a theory of knowledge (part of his SoPK) and use of the scientific
method in decision making (evaluting observations of the process within
the context of your theory) is directly parallel.

To link these concepts with the concurrent discussion of the levels of
competence, I have seen two understandings of the unconscious competence
level expressed on the list. One is that the unconscious aspect of the
competence implies a closed and stable system where feedback is not
considered necessary for continued effectiveness and performance. This,
of course, would lead (eventually, if not immediately) to ineffectiveness
in an open and dynamic system such as is typical in any organizational
context. The second understanding of unconscious competence is akin to an
achievement of fluency with the practice. When a level of fluency is
established, the behavior may occur automatically (without any conscious
awareness of the individual aspects of the be havior), but this does not
imply that feedback is disregarded. Rather, I believe, it becomes even
more salient (especially when the feedback shows that the theory behind
the actions is in need of modification, or can not account for the outcome
realized) . This will become immediately relevant to the unconscious
competent person and will cause an immediate reconsideration of their
understanding of their actions and their direction. Look out! Learning is
about to occur!

Just sharing the connections that I have been making.

Jon Krispin

-- 


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