When we work with organisations, one question comes up again and again — should leaders learn in a classroom or online? We have delivered both formats through our leadership development programs, and the answer is not as simple as picking one over the other.

Let us share what we have seen, what works best, and how you can choose the right approach for your team.

Our Experience with In-Person Learning

There is something powerful about being in the same room. We have seen leaders open up faster, build trust, and connect deeply during face-to-face sessions.

Why in-person still works well

●      Real conversations happen naturally.

●      Body language helps us understand people better.

●      Team bonding grows stronger.

●      Fewer distractions compared to online sessions

We once worked with a leadership team that struggled with communication. During an in-person session, simple activities helped them see each other differently. That shift would have been harder to achieve online.

However, in-person training also has limits. It can be challenging to have regular sessions in many organisations, due to travel, time, and cost.

Our Experience with Online Learning

The Internet has a long history. It can be only as effective as face-to-face sessions, with the right tools and structure.

What makes online programs valuable

●      Easy access from anywhere

●      Flexible schedules for busy teams

●      Consistent learning across locations

●      Lower costs compared to travel-based training

We have worked with global teams where online delivery was the only option. Through well-designed leadership development programs, we helped them stay connected and continue learning without interruption.

But online learning needs careful planning. Without engagement, people can lose focus quickly.

Where Employee Engagement Solutions Make the Difference

No matter the format, engagement is the key. This is where strong Employee Engagement Solutions come in.

We focus on keeping leaders involved through:

●      Interactive discussions instead of long lectures

●      Short learning modules that are easy to follow

●      Real-life scenarios that leaders can relate to

●      Regular follow-ups to keep momentum going

When leaders feel involved, they learn better — whether they are sitting in a room or joining from a screen.

So Which One Should You Choose

The truth is, both formats work. The better question is — what does your team need right now?

Choose in person if you want to

●      Build trust within teams.

●      Improve communication quickly

●      Create strong personal connections.

Choose online if you want to

●      Train teams across different locations

●      Offer flexible learning options.

●      Keep learning continuously over time.

Most often, we suggest a combination of both. An integrated strategy can be the most effective.

Final Thought

From our experience at Franklin Covey, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The success of leadership development programs depends more on how they are delivered than where they are delivered.

When combined with the right Employee Engagement Solutions, both in-person and online learning can help leaders grow, connect, and perform better.

By focusing on people, learning simply, and being consistent, you will achieve real results - regardless of the format.