The work self-awareness scale (Fuckwit Scale)

In one of my recent coaching sessions we were talking about how we can sometimes get into situations, either individually, as a team, or as an organisation where we are doing something wrong, we know we are doing something wrong, but for someone reason we aren't able to admit to ourselves, the team or the organisation that we are doing something wrong. Reflecting on this conversation i think there are 5 levels to this

1. We do something wrong, thinking it is right
2. We do something wrong, thinking it is wrong
3. We do something wrong, knowing it is wrong
4. We do something right, thinking it is right
5. We do something right, knowing it is right

I'm going to name this the 'work self-awareness' scale, maybe the 'fuckwit scale' for short.

(just to be clear by 'wrong' i'm not meaning evil or illegal, maybe 'not valuable' or 'not useful' might be better phrases)

I reckon i've spent time in each level of this scale at some point in my career. For example, i've worked on a project where it felt like everyone, even the person driving the project were aware that we were on 3), I'm sure we didn't start the project with the intention of intentionally doing something wrong.

I can definitely remember being in 1 several times, especially in that tough learning curve at the start of a career or new role.

How do we end up in situations where we aren't either doing 4 or 5? Sometimes its about a lack of knowledge, experience, support or guidance (1/2), Sometimes its a lack of courage to change direction (3,4), sometimes its pressure from others, or poor leadership, teamwork or culture (2,3,4).

I'd love to know whether this scale resonates with you and whether examples pop into your mind of when you've been at different points of the scale, and what you think caused them.

Coaching

I'm continuing my leadership coaching practice (I enjoy coaching all sorts, but am currently focusing on coaching leaders working in tech or tech adjacent space), as a small scale side-thing. Had a really interesting chat about a potential new client that i think would be right up my street, fingers crossed it comes off.

Running

I ran a 5k today for the first time in a couple of weeks, i'd started developing what i reckon is runners knee. The run today was fine, but 8 hours later some soreness is creeping into my left knee. the sensible part of me reckons i should stop running for longer, but the dominant part of me is like thinking a) i don't want to stop running and b) I've set myself a goal of running all 22 Norfolk Parkruns this year and i've only done 6 far, so i can't rest too much!