Concepts
Coaching, especially in the realm of Scrum, involves adopting a certain stance that facilitates the learning and growth of the team members. This article will delve into the details of three critical elements of a coaching stance, as relevant to the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) exam.
I. Adopting a Non-Directive Approach
At the very heart of a well-structured coaching stance lies the emphasis on a non-directive approach. The non-directive approach, as contradicted by the directive approach, gives authority and decision-making power to the coachee, allowing them to strive for their solutions.
The coach, in the non-directive approach, functions not as an authority figure nor as an expert who provides solutions. Instead, they act as a facilitator, guiding the coachee towards their improvement.
| Directive Approach | Non-Directive Approach |
|---|---|
| The coach assumes the role of an expert and provides solutions. | The coach guides the coachee towards finding their solutions. |
| The coach directs the conversation and has the final authority. | The conversation is coachee-led, and the coach mainly asks questions. |
| The main responsibility for the coachee’s growth lies with the coach. | The coachee is primarily responsible for their growth. No change is forced. |
II. Embracing Curiosity and Learning
A good coach thrives on curiosity and learning. They demonstrate inquiry over advocacy, meaning they ask insightful questions to provoke thought rather than providing answers directly. The purpose here is to stimulate the coachee’s self-reflection, promote their understanding, and eventually guide them towards their solutions.
For example, instead of telling a Scrum team member that their delivery timeline seems unrealistic, a coach may ask, “How confident are you about meeting the proposed deadline with the current progress status?” By doing so, the coach triggers a thought process that encourages the team member to analyze their work and devise a solution.
III. Cultivating Trust and Psychological Safety
Lastly, a significant element of a coaching stance is fostering a climate of trust and psychological safety. The coach needs to ensure that the coachee feels secure about sharing their feelings, thoughts, and concerns without fear of judgment. This trust and safety will allow open dialogue, enabling better problem-solving, learning, and growth.
A coach can foster such an environment through practices like active listening, validating the coachee’s emotions, maintaining confidentiality, and showing empathy. For instance, if a team member is apprehensive about sharing a challenge they’re facing, reassuring them that their concern is valid, and their communication is confidential can build trust and psychological safety.
In conclusion, adopting a non-directive approach, embracing curiosity and learning, and cultivating trust and psychological safety are three critical elements of a coaching stance. They pave the way for a productive, growth-oriented coaching experience, a vital aspect in Scrum, and especially useful for those preparing for the Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) exam.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True/False: One of the elements of a coaching stance involves the coach predominantly using a directive approach for all situations.
- a) True
- b) False
Correct Answer: b) False
The elements of a coaching stance do NOT incorporate:
- a) Enabling the team to reach particularly set goals
- b) Allowing the team to discover their solutions
- c) Holding the team accountable
- d) Dictating team roles and tasks
Correct Answer: d) Dictating team roles and tasks
Multiple Select: The selection into a coaching stance might entail:
- a) Encouragement and Goal setting
- b) Dictatorship approach
- c) Evolutionary Values and Behaviors
- d) Facilitating self-discovery, empowerment, and self-management
Correct Answer: a) Encouragement and Goal setting, c) Evolutionary Values and Behaviors, d) Facilitating self-discovery, empowerment, and self-management
True/False: Professional mastery is not an important element of the coaching stance.
- a) True
- b) False
Correct Answer: b) False
In a coaching stance, empowerment is characterized by:
- a) Giving the team direction on every step to follow
- b) Encouraging self-management and discovery
- c) Dictating the ideas the team should develop
Correct Answer: b) Encouraging self-management and discovery
Multiple Select: What are the fundamental elements of a coaching stance for a ScrumMaster?
- a) Accountability and Dictation
- b) Empowerment and Self-Management
- c) Encouragement and Guidance
- d) Evolutionary Values and Behaviors
Correct Answer: b) Empowerment and Self-Management, c) Encouragement and Guidance, d) Evolutionary Values and Behaviors
True/False: In the coaching stance of a ScrumMaster, the coach should make most of the decisions.
- a) True
- b) False
Correct Answer: b) False
Which of these is NOT an element of a coaching stance in the ScrumMaster context?
- a) Encouraging Evolutionary Development
- b) Instructing the team on every move to make
- c) Teaching and Mentoring
- d) Facilitating self-discovery and self-management
Correct Answer: b) Instructing the team on every move to make
True/False: The coaching stance enables a ScrumMaster to promote a self-organizing team.
- a) True
- b) False
Correct Answer: a) True
Multiple Select: Which of these demonstrate a proper coaching stance in an Advanced Certified Scrum Master context?
- a) The ScrumMaster solely directing the team initiatives.
- b) ScrumMaster fostering team collaboration and collective ownership.
- c) ScrumMaster facilitating team focus on delivery and cohesion.
- d) ScrumMaster making all project decisions and leading the team’s tasks.
Correct Answer: b) ScrumMaster fostering team collaboration and collective ownership., c) ScrumMaster facilitating team focus on delivery and cohesion.
True/False: In a coaching stance, dictating tasks and controlling all decisions is a healthy promoter of team growth.
- a) True
- b) False
Correct Answer: b) False
To establish trust and rapport in a coaching stance, a ScrumMaster SHOULD:
- a) Institute a clear hierarchy and control
- b) Promote freedom and self-management among team members
- c) Make all decisions for the team
- d) Direct every step and action of the team.
Correct Answer: b) Promote freedom and self-management among team members
The first element of a coaching stance is active listening, which is key for understanding team concerns.
Thanks for the post! Very useful.
Another element is powerful questioning. It’s about asking questions that provoke thought and reflection.
I didn’t quite get the concept of powerful questioning. Can someone elaborate?
Thank you for sharing this!
Constructive feedback is another important element. It helps in guiding the team without being overly critical.
Great post! Learned a lot.
I think including self-awareness as part of a coaching stance is essential too.