From a training session today:
Level 0 - You don't know you don't know anything.
A very dangerous level. You get sent out into the field and you mess things up because you think you know what you're doing but you don't. And you're just trying anything without even understanding what's involved.
Level 1 - You know you don't know anything.
It's less dangerous. You're placed in a situation where you realize you don't know anything. Which is good because you can now begin asking for help. Now, if only you knew what to ask for.
Level 2a - You have instructions.
This is better but you will inevitable be screwed if things go off track.
Level 2b - You have training(theory).
You've seen it done, but maybe your trainer assumed you knew something you didn't. So, you get to the field and you realize that there's a lot more to it than you thought.
Level 3 - You've done it at the lab.
This is a good place to be. There's nothing like hands on experience to give you an understanding of how things work and how to put things together. Unfortunately, the field will not be as forgiving as the lab.
Level 4 - You've done it in the field.
This is the best and final level. It takes people maybe an entire year to get to the point where you are confident that you can handle the job on site. When you get here, everyone is happy because you're the guy they call to get stuff fixed.
Posted by joel at July 17, 2003 09:43 PM