Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Allow me to think... just don't *make* me think

Some "Agile coaches" take an approach where they impose their interpretation of how things are supposed to work as a default position and then improve from there.  So this could be something like doing it by-the-book for the first few iterations before the coach "allows" the team to start trying adjustments.

If you're not paying attention, you might think this is just like the Just-Do-It - Reflect cycle I mentioned earlier.  But it's not.  This kind of authoritarian approach is subtly but fundamentally wrong.

If a team doesn't have any idea where to start, they will generally appreciate stronger guidance, which is why a good coach will provide it.  However, no team will appreciate being overridden because a coach wants to demonstrate his/her superiority.

Don't make me think... but you have no business not allowing me to think if I choose to.

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous11:01 pm

    Great thoughts you got there, believe I may possibly try just some of it throughout my daily life.


    Agile Coaching

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