Often these roles are confused or used interchangeably when they are actually very different. Each serves a unique purpose. Following are definitions, simple how to outlines for each role, a short list of what happens with each role, and questions considered for each role.
LEADER
A leader shares vision, gives direction, provides resources and tools to their team, motivates, and recognizes.
How to Be a Leader
• Be Confident and Knowledge
• Be Firm and Kind
• Be Decisive
• Give and Earn Respect and Trust
• Be a Visionary
• Be a Motivator
• Manage Accountability
What Happens in Leading:
• A leader develops or communicates the vision.
• A leader makes decisions.
• A leader inspires people to act.
• A leader motivates follow-through.
The Leader Asks Them Self:
• How does the requested change align with the vision?
• How does this change improve operations?
• What is the impact of the change?
• Who are the stakeholders?
• How capable is the person who will lead the change?
• How will accountability be managed?
TRAINER
A trainer facilitates a person learning and improving a particular skill or a type of behavior.
How to Be a Trainer
• Learn training methodologies and processes for sharing knowledge, assessing retention, and supporting application.
• Develop expertise with the subject matter.
• Determine what is to be learned by assessing skill gap.
• Design the training experience.
• Deliver the training.
• Assess learning.
What Happens in Training:
• The trainer assesses the skills gap.
• The trainer designs the learning to include teaching and practicing skills.
• The trainer assesses through observation, testing, evaluating, etc.
• The trainer provides feedback.
The Trainer Asks Them Self:
• What is the skills gap?
• How do I know that for sure?
• What do I have to offer?
• How do I best support skill development?
• How will I know when the trainee is competent?
• How can training help this person?
• What is the best way to train?
COACH
Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. – International Coaching Federation
How to Be a Coach:
• Become a coach with training/certification.
• Co-create the process.
• Client determines focus, goals, and action steps.
• Coach asks questions and facilitates growth.
What Happens in Coaching:
• The coach asks open-ended questions focused on the client so they:
• Define Goals
• Consider Challenges
• Identify Resources
• Create Actions Steps
• Develop Accountability
• Celebrate Progress and Success
The Coach Asks Them Self:
• What questions can I ask my client to help them come to their own conclusion(s)?
• How can I partner with them effectively, so they expand their thinking and create their strategies?
• How can I support my client in developing their personal accountability?
• How can I support them to be their best self?
The paradox is that coaching can be used when leading or training while leading and training CANNOT be used when coaching.
