The Difference Between Training and Development

“Development’s hard. You have to have the guts to sit down and talk to somebody and tell them some hard news sometimes. Training’s easy. Everybody loves the training. You’re learning something without it feeling personal.”

Leaders everywhere need to have a strong understanding of the difference between training and development. In a 2016 episode of Creating Disney Magic Jody and I talked about training and development. For many people they don’t realize that training is the easy thing. Development is where the magic happens. During this conversation we dive deeper into the difference between development and correction.

As I grew as a leader I became more clear on the differences between development vs. Training. Training is the easier part—it’s about making sure your employees are learning specific skills. That means someone is teaching a skill or a task. Development, on the other hand, is individualized and focuses on personal growth and behavior. One-size-fits-all training can’t replace the tailored, one-on-one interactions that true development requires.

There is a correction as part of development. Effective development isn’t just about correcting mistakes; it’s about building a person up. Praise and positive feedback play a vital role in fostering a good attitude and encouraging continual improvement.

Leaders can make sure they are creating the right environment through intentional training. People are more likely to develop positively when they feel valued and cared for. Your job as a leader isn’t just to correct behavior but to create a culture where individuals can flourish.

Check out the full episode for more on how you can create a supportive environment that drives both personal and professional growth. Don’t miss out on this essential conversation!