Training Vs Coaching – The Science and Art behind it

People often get confused between the terms Coaching and Training. They both may seem similar but the actual roles are quite unique. People looking for a professional support, expert advice, achieving a set of goals or overall personal and organizational development opt for a trainer or a coach.
But what is the science and art behind both these professions which makes them different from each other?

Scope of Learning

The very first thing is the extent to which they can help you. A trainer is an expert in a specific subject and will add value to their client in that particular field itself. The clients learn more about a specific subject from a trainer.

But coaches are multi-skilled professionals. They do not have expertise in a particular subject. Instead, they study the human behavior and help them work towards a solution. The clients learn how to deal with different situations rather than a specific field.

Approach

A coach and a trainer have different approaches towards providing solutions too. While a trainer works on a technical perspective, a coach adopts a holistic and humanistic approach. In training there are more directive instructions than exploring the possibilities of the solutions. Trainers have a narrow scientific vision limited to the specific fields.

Coaches apply a non-directive method which allows the clients to question themselves. They help the clients find the solution on their own by guiding them to the right path. Coaches have a broader scientific vision which does not limit to any specific subject.

Experience

Experience plays an important role in both these professions. But for a coach, experience is of primary importance as they learn by working on various clients who belong to different fields. A coach gains a psychological and holistic experience and expertise rather than getting into the details of technicalities of any field of subject.

In case of a trainer, expertise is of primary importance as they deal in technical terms more and often need a specific qualification to become a professional trainer. Experience also counts to some extent. Any client would benefit more from an expert trainer with good experience but a trainer without an expertise would still lack some requirements.

Time

Coaches use time-based sessions to provide solutions. In short term, coaching may seem more time consuming as it is not just based on giving instructions. The coach studies, analyses and then implements the right solution for the clients. However, an experience coach with the power of questions can make the process of learning faster.

A trainer provides the right instructions and then observes the development process of the clients. That is why in short term, trainers can provide faster solutions when the client works on a specific field. They analyze based on the performance and move forward accordingly.

Insight

A coach is anything like a basket ball or baseball coach. It means they stay outside the play zone and keep an overview of their clients. They let you do the labor and learn from your mistakes. This allows the clients to grow better and form a firm foundation of learning and self dependence. However, they provide regulated insights to help them unlock their inner potential and utilize it the right way.

Trainers will stay near your shoulder the whole time. They take part in the process, provide insights from their own perspective and based on the client’s performance. You get faster insights and analysis from a trainer and develop faster.

Qualification

Trainers require technical qualification in their specific fields. There are certification programs to become a professional trainer. The more qualified a trainer is, better will be the overall experience of your training.

Coaches are people who come from any qualification background. Coaching does not require any specific qualification. However, there are some certifications and associations to become an accredited coach. A coach can be an MBA or even a simple Bachelor’s graduate. Educational qualification is always secondary in the field of coaching. The considered qualification is purely based on the knowledge of a coach.

Results

Trainers are mostly results driven. The results also largely depend on the type of training you opt for. Just like choosing a generic gym trainer who just keeps an overview of all the clients and answers to the doubts or a personal trainer who dedicates the complete duration of training only to one client.

Coaching can be done in groups or on an individual level. But they are not necessarily results driven. They help you unlock your secret potential and utilize it in the right way. The client is in complete control of the results.

Coaches and trainers both play an important part in developing our lives and work extensively to help us achieve success. They give the best output when you have clarity of purpose and process of your development and do not get confused between choosing a trainer or a coach.