If you are not yet coaching one-on-one as an agile coach or scrum master you are missing an opportunity to maximize team performance.
Too often these roles are perceived as the guardian of the team process or a mentor for team agility. It’s been way over a decade since I first started as a scrum master as as time passed, I discovered a deeper layer to this role that often goes unnoticed by many scrum masters (and surprisingly by many agile coaches) – the profound human connection it can foster within the team you are coaching.
In this article, I aim to shed light on the transformative potential of one-on-one coaching conversations with team members, offering insights and practical tips to harness its benefits effectively.
1. Deepening the Human Connection
I’ve talked before about the importance of building trust with your teams. One of the most significant advantages of conducting regular one-on-one coaching sessions is the opportunity to connect with team members on a personal level. By delving into their personalities, aspirations, and dreams, agile coaches and scrum masters can build a stronger bond with each individual. This deepened connection paves the way for trust and confidence to flourish within the team, creating a solid foundation for addressing challenging issues when they arise.
2. one-on-one for Conflict Prevention and Resolution
One-on-one sessions, ideally held in an informal setting like a cozy coffee lounge, enable agile coaches and scrum masters to identify and mitigate potential sources of conflict before they escalate. By discussing observations and concerns discreetly, these coaches can offer valuable perspectives and facilitate constructive solutions. This approach helps in maintaining harmony within the team.
3. Tailoring Support to Individual Needs
Every team member is unique, and their learning curves and preferences may vary. Some might hesitate to voice their struggles or discomfort in a team setting. One-on-one coaching allows the coach to address these concerns privately and provide personalized guidance. This tailored approach fosters a supportive environment where individuals can grow without fear of judgment.
4. Embracing the Coach Role
Coaching is a fundamental aspect of the agile coach role, but sometimes forgotten in scrum masters. While much coaching occurs within the team and in collective settings, offering a space for individuals to explore and discover their capabilities can be immensely beneficial. One-on-one coaching sessions provide this space and contribute to the pursuit of high-performance teams. It also helps you gain perspective and avoid a few common frustrations agile coaches experience over time.
5. Establishing Healthy one-on-one Practices
To ensure the success of one-on-one coaching, Scrum Masters should adhere to certain best practices:
- Begin by conducting one-on-ones with all team members initially, allowing them the choice to continue or not.
- Communicate clearly how team members can re-initiate one-on-ones if they choose to resume them.
- Avoid favoritism by ensuring an equitable distribution of one-on-one sessions.
- Prevent one-on-ones from becoming gossip sessions about other team members, emphasizing that this time is meant for individual growth and reflection. You can’t coach the person who’s not in the room!
- Recognize the limits of your role; if discussions veer into areas beyond Agile practices or team dynamics, guide team members towards appropriate resources, such as HR or professional therapists.
- Maintain strict confidentiality to build and preserve trust; never share the contents of one-on-one conversations without explicit permission.
- Discourage team members from using one-on-ones as a means to avoid open and direct discussions with the entire team, using you, the coach, as a messenger. Emphasize the importance of honest feedback and communication.
- And remember: propose, don’t impose. While one-on-one coaching can be a powerful tool, it should always be offered as a supportive option, respecting the autonomy of team members to decide whether or not they wish to engage in these valuable conversations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to incorporate one-on-one coaching into your role is a personal one. There are no mandates, but with open communication and a compassionate approach, even novice agile coaches and scrum masters can begin harnessing the power of one-on-one coaching to benefit their teams. As you embark on this journey, remember to establish your own rituals, seek input from the coaching and agile community and even mentorship, and continually refine your approach. By doing so, you can unlock the full potential of your teams and foster an environment of trust, growth, and collaboration.
Coaching is one of the future-ready skills you must develop to lead joyful, productive, agile teams.
If you are interested in knowing more about these skills and how they can propel your career,
check out this booklet I made just for you.
