The goal of a training meeting

We've established that the definition of training is to teach someone a particular skill or specific information. So obviously, that's the goal. We've defined what training is. However, while we're talking about goals, I feel compelled to also expand on what training is not, because it can impact the goals of the training meeting.

Communication versus training

Training is not communicating a policy or procedure. It's easy to fall into the trap that training is any form of communication, so let me provide an example to illustrate.

The accounting department creates a new policy regarding the proper way to file expense reports. They decide to hold a meeting to communicate the new policy. While that's good and communicating the policy should be done, it's not training.

Now, if the accounting department tells everyone to come to the meeting with their last two expense reports, adds a discussion, and creates activities giving employees the opportunity to see a demonstration...