In psychology, there are four stages of understanding progressing from incompetence to competence. In stage 1, we are initially unaware of how little we know, or unconscious of our incompetence. As we recognize their incompetence, we also consciously acquire new skill and capability. Eventually, the learned skill can be mastered to the point of unconscious competence. The Hidden Rules guides clients from stage 1 or 2 to stage 4 in relationships.

01. UNCONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE
I am unaware of what I do not know.

02. CONSCIOUS INCOMPETENCE
I am aware that there is something that I do not know, yet I do not know how to perform that "something."