Coaching Agile Teams, Re-Read Saturday Week 14 – Final Thoughts

I view Coaching Agile Teams as a tale of two themes. The first is a book of philosophy and the second is a how-to book full of techniques. The full value of this book requires two readings. The first time I read the book, I took the how-to path. During this read absorbing the philosophies of agile coaching was more important to me than any individual technique.

For example, the concept of coaching stances (all those “Coach as” chapters) went over my head the first time. Coaches provide a wide range of nuanced services focused on teams and organizations. All coaches have to learn how to park their egos and adopt some form of servant leadership. A servant leader facilitates collaboration and creates a learning environment. The author reminds me (and all the other readers) that servant leadership is tied to high-functioning teams. Not a technique so I missed it the first time.

Lyssa Adkin’s Coaching Agile Teams is a classic and is a required read for anyone that performs agile coaching. Coaching is performed by coaches, consultants, scrum masters, team leaders, and managers of agile teams. This book is an important starting point. All coaches must grow or they stagnate.

One note, I have to recommend that if you have a new Kindle don’t buy the Kindle Version or at least check support for the compatibility of your device (see the devices supported). I found out that I had to read the book on my laptop or iPhone rather than my expensive new Kindle (I am still a bit irritated).

If you have anything to do with agile, buy and read Coaching Agile Teams by Lyssa Adkins (SPaMCAST Amazon affiliate line https://amzn.to/38G0ZD3) and read along!

Logistics Note: Next week we will dive into the front matter of Extraordinarily Badass Agile Coaching: The Journey from Beginner to Mastery and Beyond (Amazon Associate Link – buy your copy soon and start reading). Buy a copy now and start reading.

Previous Installments

Week 1: Logistics and Introduction – https://bit.ly/3A1aNTe

Week 2: Will I Be A Good Coach – https://bit.ly/3nzDAHg

Week 3: Expect High Performance – https://bit.ly/3Rl4fFf

Week 4: Master Yourself – https://bit.ly/3zL8t2n

Week 5: Let Your Style Change – https://bit.ly/3Q8zHWa

Week 6: Coach as Coach-Mentor – https://bit.ly/3QLcSIi

Week 7: Coach as Facilitator – https://bit.ly/3AaP5KY

Week 8: Coach As Teacher – https://bit.ly/3AURGdL

Week 9: Coach As Problem Solver – https://bit.ly/3C06Gr7

Week 10: Coach As Conflict Navigator – https://bit.ly/3R6tmuc

Week 11: Coach As Collaboration Conductor – https://bit.ly/3fXoHOs