Often, we use the terms 'teaching' and 'training' interchangeably. But did you know that they have distinct meanings and roles in development? Let's break it down.

Teaching is more theoretical and abstract. It's about imparting knowledge and providing information. For example, a parent might teach their child about the importance of honesty and integrity, or a teacher might teach students about the laws of physics.

On the other hand, training is more hands-on and practical. It's about developing abilities through practice with instruction or supervision. A parent might train their child to ride a bike or tie their shoes, while a teacher might train students to solve complex equations or write essays.

For small business owners, teaching could involve explaining the company's mission and values to new employees, while training might involve teaching them how to use specific software or follow certain procedures.

For instance, you can teach someone about the principles of discipline, respect, and the philosophy behind martial arts, but that won't necessarily make them a good karate practitioner. To become proficient in karate, they need specific, practical, and applied training. So, in many cases, teaching and training are complementary.

Now, a common complaint about university graduates is that they lack the practical skills necessary to thrive in the workplace. This is where training comes in. A strong training program helps employees understand not just what to do, but also how and why to do it. It imparts values, reinforces organizational culture, and builds relationships among employees.

So, how do you identify good training programs? Look past the shiny sales pitches and slick suits. Experienced trainers know how to identify meaningful and measurable outcomes. If the training is intended to improve productivity, there should be follow-up and measurement to see if productivity actually increases.

There is value in both teaching and training, and there is a clear difference between the two. While some would argue about the value of theoretical knowledge compared with applied practice, both are complementary and necessary parts of development programs.

That's it for today's episode. I hope you found this discussion enlightening and that it helps you in your journey, whether you're a parent, a teacher, or a small business owner. Remember, teaching imparts knowledge, but training develops abilities. Both are crucial for growth and development.

A big thank you to Sensei Michael St John for inspiring this episode. Stay tuned for our next episode. Until then, keep living strong!