We are often asked which is best coaching or training. Keen not to be seen to sit on the fence my answer is ‘it depends’. Business coaching is extremely valuable particularly for senior managers or executives who have a specific agenda. The coaching relationship offers 100% focus and attention on their agenda proving them the opportunity to scenario plan and test out options in a safe and confidential environment.
Relevance is very important to successfully transfer knowledge and improve skills. For this reason, we tailor all of our training to meet the specific needs of the business and the participants. An added benefit of training is that there is a sharing of experiences and as well as developing from the course the participants can develop with the support of the others.
My answer is that it depends because we always aim to extend learning and support the effective implementation of the new skills back in the workplace. We all know how easy it is to leave a training course with an action plan of things to do differently but back at our desk there is a mountain of work to do and somehow our action plan slips down our priority list. We often suggest that a short coaching programme follows any training intervention to help participants apply their new knowledge and skills in their day job.
The feedback has been fantastic with many participants saying that a combination of coaching and training is best.
What is your favourite management book?
Like many people I follow a number of blogs on topics that interest me most; culture, leadership, business strategy etc. However, I just can’t quite walk past a bookshop without having a browse and I spend agencies reviewing Amazon’s sale every time I get an email alert.
I have to confess to having lots of favourites, one of which is ‘The Iceberg is Melting’ by John P Kotter. This is a simple fable about a colony of penguins and their initial resistance and then reaction to change. It brings to life the other Kotter books on effectively leading and implementing change. An easy and fun read.
Please tell me what your favourite business book is by logging into our website at www.advanceconsultancy.co.uk and filling in the contact us section. I look forward to hearing from you.
Kim
