The term, meta-competence, might be new to you; yet the phenomenon it describes is crucial for making better decisions and choices in life.

But how does it differ from competence and competency?

Competence relates to our abilities, skills, and knowledge.

Measuring how well a person functions relative to a set of standards, that’s competency.

Meta-competence refers to a set of overarching skills affecting all aspects of one’s intrapersonal, interpersonal, professional, and/or social life. Meta-competence involves critical thinking, self-reflection, conceptualization, and reasoned judgment. It helps us adapt to the challenges we encounter.

In a basketball game, every player can dribble, shoot, pass, and rebound (competence) but each of them has his own level of expertise (competency). Some are just better at shooting and others are great at rebounding.

Meta-competence is most apparent in pressing situations. Players with well-developed meta-competencies rise above difficult moments, pressing down panic and choosing the best plays, incorporating all their basketball aptitudes to achieve victory.

Specific talents and skills can only take you so far. To be a superstar like Jordan or Lebron requires meta-competence.

What are your thoughts about this?

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