Understanding the Real Difference Between Training and Development: What Do You Think?

What is the Difference Between Training and Development?

Regards

Many people would say they are pretty much one and the same thing. But here is a quote I found from leadership writer John Maxwell:

“When we train people, we focus on the job. When we develop people, we focus on the person. When we train people, we're adding value to specific things, such as what their job description is. When we develop people, we add value to everything. They not only become better in their jobs, they become better in life. Employee training is a necessity for any business that wants to remain competitive in today's marketplace. But leaders who want to make a lasting difference also recognize that training by itself is not enough. Training people is helpful for a short time, developing people is helpful for a lifetime. And while the result of training is changed performance... The result of development is changed lives.”

Hope that helps.

Training is a short-term process aimed at enhancing specific skills, whereas development is a long-term process.

Thank you.
Regards

Training vs. Development

Training is the input from you or HR to a person on a certain field, process, or technical area. Development is the feedback from the trainee or an assessment by you on how much they have developed in the respective field. We can say development is the OUTPUT of the process, and training is the INPUT for the same.

Thanks and Regards

Training may be for the present need just to enhance the skills of a person. However, employee development is carried out considering the future needs of an organization. The training modules are prepared accordingly, and employees are selected for this purpose.

Regards,
Surendra Verma

Training and Development: Understanding the Connection

Development is the outcome of training. Training is the source of development. The effect of training can only be seen and measured in development.

Study vs. Training

Study: marks :: training: development

Both are operational terms in HRD. Training and Development imply Executive Training and Management Development. The former is given to supervisory categories/executives to impart skills to upgrade current performance, whereas the latter is given to managerial people (middle/top level) aiming at providing knowledge. Training is more technical, and development helps with the overall growth (OD) of an individual.

You have different philanthropic meanings for the terms training and development. In HR language and in the industry, training is provided to blue-collar employees, i.e., workers, to develop specific skills for a job. On the other hand, development is offered to white-collar employees, i.e., executives and managers, to refine and enhance their capabilities for current and future requirements.

Key Differences Between Training and Development

Training:
- It is usually targeted at non-managerial personnel.
- The goal is to develop specific skills in an individual.
- It is a one-time event.
- It is often driven by external motivation.

Development:
- It is typically intended for managerial personnel.
- The goal is to develop the overall personality of the individual.
- It is an ongoing process.
- Development stems from internal motivation.
- It is a proactive process and may not require an instructor to lead.

I hope this clarifies the distinction between Training and Development in the HR context.

Examples of Training

Examples of training include product training, job training, etc.

Development

Development involves assisting an employee in the overall development of their personality by providing sessions on self-improvement, motivation, ethics, values, etc.

Thank you.

I disagree with your statements marked in blue and highlighted in bold. There are certain skills that need to be mastered by white-collar professionals and managers at different hierarchy levels as well; hence, they are also trained. Overall development is meant for every employee of an organization, irrespective of their position in the hierarchy. No organization can succeed in getting things done from their employees just by training them to bridge the gap or make them competent.

With profound regards

Understanding Training and Development

If we understood correctly:

• **Training:** The process of training people for a profession, art, or assignment involves various processes. A person new to a job, assignment, art, or skill requires training before being placed or assigned. This training can be acquired through education, guidance from seniors, supervisors, team leaders, etc. The trained individual acquires the necessary skills, knowledge, and means to perform a given task and then progresses.

• **Development:** The training received leads to change, growth, or improvement over time. We encourage our colleagues and staff to develop new skills. The gradual development of ideas into advanced theories, practices, and executions blends into one, illustrating how development occurs. It is rare for one to develop without prior training, which includes basic knowledge. Therefore, the sequence typically involves training preceding development. Mere training does not automatically guarantee successful outcomes.

Am I correct?

Regards,
Kumar S.