The Real Work Begins After the Training Ends

Over the past year, I’ve facilitated several leadership training classes, and one recurring theme I can’t ignore is the lack of follow-through.

Too often, people treat training like a finish line. They attend the sessions, maybe take a few notes, and check the box as “done.” But completing a course, whether it's on leadership, communication, or anything else, isn’t the end of the journey. It’s just the starting line.

In my own leadership journey, I learned this the hard way. For a while, I was soaking up information, attending trainings, reading books, listening to podcasts, you name it. But something was missing. Knowledge alone wasn’t moving the needle. What made the difference was learning how to apply what I was learning in real time, in real situations.

And honestly, that’s not easy. It takes intentionality, trial and error, and often some external support.

That’s why I’ve made it my focus in this season of life: helping people bridge the gap between learning and doing. Because there is a gap, and it's wider than most people realize. The application of learning is where transformation actually happens.

One of the most effective tools for closing that gap is coaching. It’s a benefit that often flies under the radar, but it’s incredibly powerful. A good coach doesn’t just help you set goals. They help you implement the insights you’ve gained. They provide accountability, perspective, and encouragement when the initial excitement of training wears off and real-life complexity kicks in.

So if you’ve been investing in your growth, personally or professionally, but you’re not seeing the traction you hoped for, consider this: maybe it’s not about learning more. Maybe it’s time to focus on applying what you already know. And maybe a coach can help you do just that.