Agile Coaching Lessons - Reflection

 One of our assignments this week (in the Agile Coaching Lab) was to read and reflect on Daniel Mezick series of blog posts called Agile Coaching Lessons.

As it is 1.21am in the morning, I'm not even sure if I'll be making much sense.

So I'm supposed to think how I could use the lessons in my facilitation? What could I try straightaway? 

Mezick writes -

"Signal That You Have No Authority" 

It is ironic that Agile Coaches are called Agile Coaches (whom are Servant Leaders) - a great example of an oxymoron. 

However, the lesson here is to relinquish authority not matter how logical or tempting it may be. But what does that really look like I wonder? 

I think, perhaps by adopting a Facilitator's Neutral (Unbiased) Stance may help the team understand that I have no hidden agenda (not am I pushing one). That I come from a place of neutrality. I'm not the subject matter expert nor am I there to tell them what to do. 

The neutral stance may look something like this - me, sitting there quietly, keeping the time box, asking powerful (open ended questions) occasionally, and paraphrasing and summarizing. 

"Positioning Is Signaling"

The way we stand, sit (where we stand and where we sit); the way we dress; our postures sometimes will send out signal of authority.

As facilitator's, we need to be aware of our position signals. 

"Use Your Body When Facilitating"

No verbal action. For example standing behind someone when they are speaking (of something relevant) can shows non-verbal support. Or perhaps stepping in front of an out-spoken person and asking an open-ended question to other team members, may give others a chance to speak.

"Invite Facilitation"

I like this one. Inviting other to facilitate. Helping them learn, so that they can help others when I am gone.