(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Often we are taught how to do something and we repeat the process by rote to get the outcome we want. That works fine until something goes wonky. Then we’re stuck. Examples abound with apps or other software.

To be educated means to go beyond the simple how to become aware of the why. The why illuminates the bigger picture. It makes sense of the how’s.

“Do this” will get you an outcome for a while. That’s being trained.

“Learn the why of this” will get you stronger outcomes. And will position you to add to the base of knowledge. That’s being educated.

It seems that many people are content with the how. (“Punch this icon on the cash register and the appropriate burger will be ordered.”) They settle for being trained.

Highly successful people are always interested in the why. They seek to be educated.

 

Coaching Point: Have you noticed how comfortable you feel when you know the why behind the how? When you’ve been educated, not merely trained?

 

Copyright 2015 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.