Mushrooms After Rain

What’s Wrong with Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters?

Agile coaching and Scrum Master roles have proliferated like mushrooms after the rain. These positions seem alluring, sprinkled with buzzwords and the promise of transforming the workplace. But strip away the jargon, and we’re left with a troubling question: Do these coaches and Scrum Masters genuinely know what’s going on, and what they’re doing? The sad answer, often enough, is no.

Are Senior Managers Supporting Them?

Senior management’s support can make or break the efficacy of an Agile Coach or Scrum Master. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, the upper echelons of an organisation fail to back these roles, turning them into totally bullshit jobs. Without this crucial buy-in, coaches and Scrum Masters operate in an organisational vacuum, making their jobs impossible.

Why Are Teams Skeptical?

It’s not just senior management. Development teams themselves are often less than thrilled to interact with Agile Coaches or Scrum Masters. The reason is straightforward: They don’t see the value. When the so-called Agile experts cannot coherently explain their methods or bring palpable improvements, why should teams give them the time of day?

Confusion: Methods vs. Methodologies

Another concern arises when Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters confuse methods with methodologies. A method is a specific procedure for accomplishing something. In contrast, a methodology is a system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. Knowing a few Agile methods doesn’t mean one understands Agile methodology. This lack of deep understanding reveals itself quickly, leading to flawed advice and a loss of credibility.

What’s the Way Forward?

The situation is hopeless. Even in the extremely rare case that developers and senior management both lend their wholehearted support, adopting Agile delivers precious few benefits.

Summary

In conclusion, it’s easy to assign titles and make grand statements about transforming work culture. What’s challenging is actually understanding the philosophy, methods, and methodologies that make such transformations possible. Until Agile Coaches and Scrum Masters abandon their game—and get redeployed into more productive roles—the empty promises of Agile will continue to seduce the ignorant and unwary..