Downfalls of Coaching in a Hierarchical Model

Photo by Jan Tik

Gaining alignment on the goals and desired results of agile can influence the structure of a coaching group. When the coaching group structure begins to mimic the structure of the organization it is working to change, trust can decrease across the organization and visibility is reduced between the products’ outcomes and how things are implemented within teams.

I co-wrote an experience report with Skylar Watson describing the issues of a siloed or hierarchical coaching model and how we shifted to a more product-based coaching approach. The full report is available from the Agile Alliance, and if you’re a member, you can watch a video of the associated talk.