When sales results drop, the first reaction is often:


“We need more training.”

But training and coaching are not the same thing.

Training transfers knowledge.

Coaching changes behaviour.

A salesperson can attend a training session on objection handling.

That doesn’t mean they will apply it next week.

Behaviour changes through:

  • Observation
  • Feedback
  • Reflection
  • Repetition

That’s coaching.

Training starts development.

Coaching sustains it.

Which has had the greatest impact on performance in your experience: training programmes or ongoing coaching?


Originally published 23 June 2026 on LinkedIn. Follow Eric Stijnman on LinkedIn for more sales coaching and leadership insights