Training vs Coaching

I am part way through reading ‘Coaching for Performance:GROWing human potential and purpose’ by John Whitmore. A key point that I have taken away so far is the difference between training and coaching.

A Trainer/Teacher instructs their Student on what and how they should do the new thing that they are learning.

A Coach will lead the student on a journey of self-discovery, aiming for the Student to become aware of the new thing that they are not doing, and then getting them to take responsibility for carrying out the new thing.

I have found that both training and coaching are useful approaches in my work. When the student is very new to subject such as agile; training works well to get them kick started and to secure a few wins, hence building their confidence. Once their foundation knowledge and confidence is in place, moving to coaching builds their awareness and responsibility which leads to long term success.