What prerequisites does the coachee possess for successful agile coaching?
Agile coaching typically involves two participants. These two individuals interact with each other. The success of the coaching can be metaphorically imagined as a shared "dance." The smoother the dance, the better. Thus, the coachee is half the battle. He or she contributes not only their own expectations but also themselves. This manifests in their professional experiences, attitudes, character, and personality. However multifaceted and diverse this may be for each individual, the question arises: what is the common denominator?.
What prerequisites does the coachee possess for successful agile coaching?
A willingness to change is important. This is usually the first thing mentioned. I agree with the relevance of a willingness to change. Without the readiness to allow change and to explicitly seek it out, nothing new can emerge. And for me, allowing this newness to emerge is the core of Agile Coaching.
And yet: I place tolerance for uncertainty and curiosity first. It takes a special ability to embrace uncertainty. This uncertainty can be compared to taking a ride on a Ferris wheel. Sure, for some of you, that's a piece of cake. Nevertheless, to explore this new territory and board the gondola, I have to consciously leave familiar paths. I leave the comfortable ground beneath my feet and ascend to airy, new heights. Curiosity about new paths and possibilities allows me to take this step. And surely, the confidence that this curiosity has often served me well also helps.
Thirdly, I'm bringing some familiar elements into play. As with the Agile Coach, I see the Scrum values as a prerequisite for collaboration on equal footing. Self-commitment – I commit to giving my best and contributing to success. Focus – I focus on what I can change myself. Openness – I am unbiased and give new experiences and experiments a chance. Respect – I conduct the collaboration respectfully and mindfully. Courage – I move out of my comfort zone and into the learning zone, allowing whatever emerges to happen.
The Ferris wheel is ready for its first ride.
What is your opinion? What prerequisites do you consider important for the coachee?
