Nurturing SharePoint Expertise: Choosing Between Training and Coaching for Tailored Knowledge Growth
Introduction
As SharePoint continues to be a vital tool for organisations, individuals seek opportunities to expand their SharePoint expertise. Two common approaches are formal classroom training and personalized coaching. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each method, highlighting its benefits and limitations to help you make an informed decision on the best approach for your SharePoint knowledge growth.
Formal Classroom Training
Pros
Comprehensive knowledge base: Classroom training covers a wide range of SharePoint topics, providing learners a broad understanding of the platform's capabilities.
Networking and diverse perspectives: Interacting with peers in a classroom allows for knowledge sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and exposure to different perspectives.
Professional certification: Some formal training programs offer certifications, validating SharePoint expertise and enhancing professional credentials.
Cons
Information overload: Classroom training may cover extensive SharePoint topics, including areas that may not directly apply to the learner's immediate needs or organizational context.
Limited customization: Due to the standardized nature of classroom training, it may not address specific scenarios or challenges faced within the learner's organization, limiting practical application.
Lack of ongoing support: Once the training program concludes, learners may not have continued access to a SharePoint expert for personalized guidance or assistance.
SharePoint Coaching
Pros
Tailored learning experience: Coaching is customized to the learner's skill level, objectives, and organizational requirements, ensuring direct relevance and effectiveness.
Practical application and solution-oriented approach: Coaches guide real-world scenarios, enabling immediate application of skills and addressing specific pain points.
Continued engagement and growth: Coaches can be re-engaged as the learner's knowledge grows and they reach new proficiency levels, addressing evolving questions and challenges.
Cons
Dependency on coach availability: The availability of a SharePoint coach may vary, and learners may need to schedule sessions in advance, potentially leading to delays in receiving timely assistance.
Variation in coach expertise: Coaches may have different levels of expertise in specific SharePoint functionalities or areas, which could limit their ability to provide comprehensive support in all aspects.
Cost considerations: Engaging a SharePoint coach for personalized coaching may involve additional costs compared to formal classroom training, especially for ongoing or long-term coaching engagements.
Conclusion
Personalised coaching for SharePoint offers a distinct advantage over traditional classroom training. While classroom training provides a broad overview of SharePoint capabilities, coaching sessions are tailored to your needs, ensuring a more targeted and efficient learning experience.
Through coaching, you receive practical guidance and problem-solving strategies that can be immediately applied to real-world scenarios within your unique SharePoint environment. This hands-on approach enables you to gain relevant skills and enhance your SharePoint proficiency effectively. One of the significant benefits of coaching is the ongoing support and engagement it offers. As your SharePoint knowledge grows and your requirements evolve, your coach can provide continuous guidance and address your specific questions and challenges. This personalized attention helps you stay on track and reach the next level in your SharePoint journey. Moreover, coaching can be a cost-effective option. Instead of investing in a comprehensive training program that covers numerous topics, coaching allows you to focus on the areas most relevant to your needs. This targeted approach optimizes your learning process, saving both time and resources.
When choosing between coaching and classroom training, it's essential to consider your specific goals, learning preferences, and the level of customization required. While coaching provides a more tailored experience, classroom training may benefit those seeking a broader understanding of SharePoint. Ultimately, the decision between coaching and classroom training depends on your individual requirements and learning style. Coaching is likely the ideal choice if you prefer a more personalized and practical approach that addresses your specific challenges and goals. However, classroom training may be suitable if you value a comprehensive overview of SharePoint capabilities and networking opportunities with peers.
In conclusion, personalised coaching for SharePoint offers a targeted, practical, and ongoing learning experience. It allows you to focus on the areas that matter most to you and provides the support needed to unlock your SharePoint potential. Consider your unique needs and preferences when deciding between coaching and classroom training to make the most informed choice for your SharePoint journey.