Years ago when I used to lead teacher-training sessions the first principle I would drive into their thinking was, “Teaching isn’t talking, listening isn’t learning.” We make a fatal mistake in leadership development when our only approach to development is dumping a bunch of information on learners. Dumping information doesn’t necessarily equate to transformation. Yet many organizations use an informational rather than a transformational approach to developing leaders. Here are some of the big differences between the two.
- Informational tells the learner about principles they need to know. Transformational teaches people to behave in new ways by challenging them to put principles into practice.
- Informational dumps knowledge. Transformational develops competencies
- Informational is one-way communication. Transformational is a two-way dialogue
- Informational uses the science of teaching. Transformational uses the art of facilitation
- Informational follows a linear pathway. Transformational customizes learning based on the learners present situation and needs
- Informational the instructor uses a structured, highly controlled lesson plan. Transformational the instructor allows freedom and flexibility in the lesson plan
- Informational puts a priority on content. Transformational puts priority on behavioral change
Organizations invest hours upon hours in leadership development. Make sure your investment is producing the transformation you desire.
