The document discusses the different levels of competence that individuals progress through when learning a new skill like golf. It begins by describing the author's experience taking up golf as a beginner with no experience. Through lessons and practice, the author was able to improve from an unconscious incompetent to a conscious incompetent as mistakes became apparent. With more experience and the tips to play at a beginner's level, the author reached the stage of conscious competence, being effective but still aware of each step. The ultimate goal is unconscious competence, playing effectively without conscious thought like a natural.

1. Recognizing Trainees’ Levels of Behavior

2. The game of golf immediately comes to mind. After breaking my hand into places a couple of years ago playing basketball, I decided to take up a safer, less physical sport , the game of golf. I chose golf for one other reason. After watching golf tournaments on television, I was convinced that the game would be easy and fun.

3. I had absolutely no idea how misguided I was. A friend of mine suggested me to take a few lessons. Then, I stepped out on the golf course. I approached the first tee calmly and ready for action. I believe it was the third time I swung and missed the teed-up ball. It began to appear quite clear to me that I was not the natural I had thought I was going to be. All of a sudden, lessons did not like such a bad idea.

4. I was given the tips required to play the game at a beginner’s level such as: left arm straight, eyes on the ball, keep your head still, and began to practice. I began to experience the excitement of some improvement. I was ready to take my show on the road, and try my golf game out. It was nice becoming a students of the game and learning what I was doing right and wrong.

5. Gradually, the more I played, the smoother my swing became and my game began to speed up. I finally could swing a club fairly effectively and not have to repeat my massive collection of directions.