Taking a User Centered Approch to Coaching

From Agile Coaches Gathering

What this session was about.

I wanted to explore with other coaches whether there was value in taking an approach to our coaching that extended what we did beyond the roles (developer, scrum master etc) in the organisation and begin to take a more holistic approach to the person AND the role they are doing.

What was discussed.

I described what I meant by 'User centered' as an approach the places the individuals we coach at the centered of any coaching plan.For example Coaching a developer may be straightforward enough, but coaching 'Carl' , a developer, might be more valuable because you need to understand the personality, motivations etc which in turn might improve coaching the developer skills required.

We explored whether most coaches had the skills and tools required to extend their coaching approach in this way.

What We Discovered.

There is definitely a line between agile (work) coaching and personal coaching and often there is significant value to be able to offer some assistance across that line (in the person's personal life) so that they can improve how they function in their work life. We decided that crossing that line must only be done with expressed permission from the individual and by their invitation.

Finally we concluded that many coaches may not have the inclination or the tools to be able to coach individuals in their personal lives, but at the very least they should still know enough to recognise that perhaps there are issues on that side of the line. Also we thought that in the absence of any specific personal coaching tools/skills, agile coaches must be able to listen objectively and sympathetically.

Thanks to all who came to this session, it really clarified in my mind what I was trying to communicate.