In the world of Learning and Development, the two words – Training and Development are often used as synonyms. What are synonyms? Synonyms are words that share the same meanings with other words. We can usually identify these when we come across them. But sometimes we don’t. Within business circles, for example, the words Training & Development are used interchangeably. But there are some fundamental differences between the two words. In this blog I want to make the case that Leadership Development is better. Here is my argument:
Training by nature is finite in its scope because it spans only a limited span of time. Development, on the other hand, looks far ahead into the future sometimes going beyond he career of the person. It is infinite in nature. Another key skill of leadership is the ability to operate under conditions that are not optimal, sometimes even detrimental. In this context, Training gives you just enough to put one in a comfort zone to do a job. But development is designed to intentionally get a person out of their comfort zone and be equipped for extenuating circumstances.
Training people may equip them with a set of standard guidelines to help them operate in controlled environments. In other words, it helps them within the ‘box’. Development on the other hand equips them for far greater things by liberating them from accepted norms or standards that might stifle creativity or innovativeness. And lastly, regardless of the leadership style required, Training tends to focus on the role that the candidate plays while development focuses on the person himself or herself. It aims to hone their intrinsic skills and abilities. It focuses on becoming better at who they are instead of better at what they do. The assumption is that when you become a better person you will able to perform at higher levels.
Our long-term intervention Leadership Training programs are classified under ‘Development’. They are designed to equip employees with the right tools and resources necessary to not only do their jobs but also thrive in challenging working conditions. It focuses on both the intrinsic and the extrinsic.
