Don’t Confuse Training with Coaching

Are you trying to drive step-level results in sales—or in any area—through training alone? Here's a lesson I’ve learned: be intentional about distinguishing training from coaching. It might sound like semantics, but it’s not.

Training is typically delivered to a group. It assumes that everyone knows nothing as it is often used to introduce new concepts. Training is also used to reinforce mission-critical skills across the board. It’s foundational and necessary.

Coaching, however, is different—and arguably more powerful. It includes a critically important diagnostic element. A coach identifies where an individual is struggling and focuses attention there. Coaching doesn’t assume the learner knows nothing; it zeroes in on their specific performance gaps and then works to close them. That’s why coaching is best delivered one-on-one: it’s tailored, precise, and personal.

You’ll see this model in action on championship sports teams and inside high-performing companies. Coaching isn’t just helpful—it’s a load-bearing pillar of success. Once you experience the difference, it’s hard to unsee.

Image by KeithJJ on Pixabay