Tuesday's Tip #76: Coaching versus Training

learning Jul 13, 2021

What's the Difference between Coaching and Training? Should I Hire a Coach or Sign Up for a Training?

I have been "the coach" and "the coached", "the trained" and "the trainer". Whether you are looking for training or coaching, both have learning as an outcome. What's the difference? Training (classes) provide a one-time class which can be customized and is typically for a group. Coaching is a one-on-one option that is ongoing and provides additional accountability and consistency.

As a coach and trainer, in BOTH cases I believe in an individualized approach to learning. Whether your goal is to learn a specific program, a new skill or attain a new competency level, your industry, prior knowledge and learning style must be taken into consideration for effective learning, retention and application.

Training

When it comes specifically to learning technology, there is no shortage of training opportunities. Some are free, others are expensive. A short search in your browser or YouTube will both overwhelm and inundate you with information to learn. Many of the training opportunities for learning software are generic and uniform. If you know exactly what you need to learn, sometimes, these work - but most times they don't. The missing piece to the puzzle is usually CONTEXT. More specifically, if you don't know what you don't know, it's hard to find a resource to learn it. As a trainer, if you don't know what your users know (or don't know), the environment they are coming from, or the specific application they need the knowledge for, it's hard to provide the right context and examples for learning to happen and more importantly for this knowledge to be retained and applied.

What always makes a difference, is when a class speaks specifically to your learners. When the class can be customized to the learner, it's going to be more effective, easier to learn and apply and retain.

When I provide training, I offer an opportunity to the client called discovery. I spend some time learning some of the ways I can tailor the training for the unique learners. I like to have the client speak to the general user environment, skill levels, challenges, motivations for learning and objectives. This is what makes my training different than a generic class you might attend or purchase online.

Coaching

When it comes to learning technology, you don't often hear about coaching as a way to learn. Coaching, however is an excellent way to learn technology, especially if you don't know what you don't know! First, it can be completely customized and contextual. It can be a consistent resource for you to utilize on an as-needed basis. For example, you can show your coach what you do in Excel. A coach will not only answer your question but ask the right questions to help you uncover what you don't know and learn something but more importantly help you apply it. Needless to say this can exponentially increase your productivity. Second, there is built in accountability. If your goal is to "increase your skillset in Excel" for example. A coach can help you assess your current skillset and hone in helping you learn skills to eliminate your gaps of knowledge. This is especially helpful when you might be starting on a graduate degree that requires a certain skillset or you have a new job that requires a different competency level. Third, one of the things that you can't bring to a group training session is consistency. Consistency is important to learning because without the reinforcement of the concepts you learn, you won't retain them. Consistency will also provide an opportunity to both review and practice which is key for retention.

When to Choose Training

If you're looking to learn something specific like How to Use Teams or Tricks in Outlook or Excel Charts, choose training. Also, if you're looking to provide education for a group of people, training is also your best bet.

What's Different about My Training

The classes are LIVE and VIRTUAL.
Because I've trained1000's of people, I've got a sixth sense for how you learn and if you're catching on and how to supplement the training to make sure you are getting it.
I'm able to ask the right questions and tailor my training to your organization's unique needs and environment.
I'll also record the training for the people that can't make the class you've scheduled for you to use with permission.
I've personally prepared all the courseware.
You'll have a chance to review my courseware ahead of time and see if you'd like me to customize it in any way.
When possible, I will provide examples and use data that comes from your organization.
Prior to training you can engage me in a discovery phase to help you determine exactly what your needs are.

Whether you choose coaching or training with me - you will get a custom, individual approach to learning that is tailored to you as a client. I will take into consideration both your current and desired knowledge, industry, desired outcome as well as learning style.

When to Choose Coaching

The biggest difference with coaching is you get to fully personalize and define the learning outcome and objectives. Sometimes you need to learn more than a class can teach you. You need it to be more fluid and custom. Because it's ongoing, you're able to follow and repeat the model of learn, practice, apply, learn, practice, apply. If you do better one on one this is also a great model. The one on one, virtual coaching allows you to hone in on exactly what you want to learn and where you might have particular challenges. It is excellent for preparing for certifications like Microsoft Office Specialist. These are particularly helpful when you're looking to get a new job, promotion, or get a masters or doctorate degree that requires certain competency levels.

Why Coaching with Me is Different

LIVE, VIRTUAL weekly or bi-weekly sessions.
My 25+ years of training has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to training people.
Because I've worked in so many industries and with so many different people, I'm able to relate quickly to your unique needs and circumstances.
I can ask the right questions to take your learning to the next level. You may not even KNOW what you don't know and would benefit from learning.
In addition to learning, you're able have me review and analyze your actual work to give you ideas and productivity tips.
You'll have access to my custom, personally written courseware.
All our sessions will be recorded so you'll be able to keep them and replay them as needed.

What's Next?

Interested in scheduling a training or in learning more about coaching or training - reach out and schedule some time with me to talk through your needs and get some dates on the calendar.