Difference between coaching and training

Coaching and training are more often than not used interchangeably, and this leads to confusion, especially when words like ‘mentoring’ and ‘counseling’ are added to the list. 

To make a distinction between coaching and training - training is about transferring knowledge while coaching is about enhancing knowledge.

For example we can talk about basic cooking skills and more so a dosa. The first, the second or even the third may not turn out right.Fourth onwards they will get better and better. An individual can be trained to make dosa and may even get the best results with time.Just imagine getting coached to make a dosa.The tips, the tricks and the secrets will make the dosas from OK to oh my my.

Comparison between coaching and training

Training

• Transferring knowledge
• Often used in group setting
• Often used for new hires
• Usually structured
• Formal
• Depends on telling
• Learning focused

Coaching

• Enhancing knowledge or skills
• One-on-one too
• Usually unstructured
• Informal, conversational
• Depends on asking
• Development focused

Coaching is a way to apply learning in an informed way. Training hopes that learners will remember knowledge so it can be applied

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