Training or Coaching?

I recently found myself rearranging books in my house. There are SO many that I am constantly trying to find new spots for them. I’m a bit “old school” when it comes to books…I like curling up in a big chair and getting absolutely lost in the words on a page. Don’t get me wrong, e-readers and online publications have a spot in my library, but my preference will always be printed pages versus black and white text on a device.

As I was reminiscing about each book I moved, I came across several books and pamphlets I had saved from trainings taken over the years. Flipping through the pages, I found myself trying to remember the reason for attending the training and what stage I was at professionally at the time of the training. It was interesting to skim the notes I had taken on the materials and to remember the awkward feelings I had while cultivating my own leadership style. But what really surprised me was how little I actually remembered from those trainings. All of this reminiscing got me to thinking about the differences between training and coaching….what makes each format unique and appropriate given the situation? Here is a brief overview of each format:

Training is typically focused on enhancing a specific skill, imparting knowledge or introducing a framework that attendees are expected to implement. Training comes in many formats:

· Required in order to maintain a credential or to continue work in a specific profession (think of continuing education requirements for teachers, financial planners, physicians, lawyers)

· During onboarding at a new company or when switching roles within a company.

· Company or department initiative, such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion awareness or cyber security training

Coaching promotes individual growth by focusing on goal setting, intrinsic motivation and accountability resulting in positive, sustainable change. Here are a few elements that make coaching unique and successful:

· All dialog between a coach and coachee is confidential

· Coaching sessions typically occur over a period of time (months to years)

· Outcomes and results are controlled by the client

· There is no pre-set agenda or skill that must be mastered

· The success of a coaching engagement is whether the desired outcome for the coachee was achieved…and only the coachee can answer that

Is training or coaching right for you? The answer is yes, to BOTH. Training will always be important and for many, required, based on your job. Coaching brings a level of personalization and customization that helps a coachee achieve greater results than relying on training alone.

As I embark on the journey of establishing my own coaching practice, I am committed to ensuring that my coaching engagements have a lifelong impact on the coachee, with results that allow you to move and unleash the potential within.

Interested in learning more? Visit my website or book a free consultation online now.

#leadership #executivecoaching #moveandunleash #training