This post originated from an RSS feed registered with Agile Buzz by Laurent Bossavit. Original Post: On not being an agile coach Feed Title: Incipient(thoughts) Feed URL: http://bossavit.com/thoughts/index.rdf Feed Description: You're in a maze of twisty little decisions, all alike. You're in a maze of twisty little decisions, all different. Latest Agile Buzz Posts Latest Agile Buzz Posts by Laurent Bossavit Latest Posts From Incipient(thoughts)

The term "coach" is in vogue among agilists, I suspect for lack of good alternatives. I really have no idea what coaching is. Sometimes it's been a useful shortcut to describe what I do as coaching - people seem to know what I mean. I wouldn't describe myself as a coach, though, since I have no idea what that is.

I work with teams. I come in for brief periods, do the best work I can, then leave the team to its own devices afterwards - for awhile, or for good. There are two main things I try to help with, when a team wants my help: clarity of purpose, and fresh ideas. I see these two as major ingredients of success. I've learnt that it's never quick, never simple, never easy, but that it does work: teams call me to tell me of the successes they've had since our work together. That's a great reward.