Concepts
Coaching, specifically within the agile method of Scrum, relies on a number of core assumptions. These beliefs shape the way a coach interacts with their team, and are therefore foundational to the coaching process. This article will discuss the importance of two such fundamental coaching assumptions: that the team is resourceful and capable, and that the individual is naturally creative and motivated.
The Team is Resourceful and Capable
The first assumption is that the team is resourceful and capable. In Scrum, we believe that every team member has the potential to contribute uniquely and meaningfully to the project.
This assumption invites the coach to move away from a directive style of management, where they might tell the team what to do, and towards a more facilitative style, where they help the team identify and mobilise their individual and collective strengths. Rather than being the sole source of wisdom and solutions, the coach becomes a catalyst for the team’s own resourcefulness and capability.
Still, the assumption that the team is resourceful and capable does not suggest that the team is entirely self-sufficient. Indeed, the coach plays a pivotal role in creating the conditions under which the team can thrive. This might involve fostering trust among team members, clarifying expectations, and creating space for constructive conflict.
To illustrate this, let’s consider a Scrum coach working with a team on their first project. The assumption that the team is resourceful and capable will encourage the coach to support the team in learning the ropes of Scrum, rather than dictating each step of the process. This approach can heighten the team’s sense of ownership over the project and foster greater engagement and commitment.
The Individual is Naturally Creative and Motivated
The second fundamental coaching assumption is aligned with the principles of humanistic psychology: that the individual is naturally creative and motivated. The belief, here, is in the inherent worth and potential of every individual.
Believing that individuals are naturally creative invites a coaching approach that is open-ended and curious rather than didactic and conclusive. The coach, following this assumption, will structure coaching sessions in a way that allows for the client’s creativity to emerge. This might involve posing open-ended questions, creating space for reflection and exploration, and reframing challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving.
The assumption of individuals’ natural motivation suggests that people are intrinsically motivated to grow, learn, and accomplish their goals. Here, the coach’s role becomes to help individuals connect with their intrinsic motivations, and support their progress towards achieving their goals.
As an example, a Scrum coach working with a developer who has expressed a desire to take on a more leadership-focused role could facilitate a conversation to explore what has sparked this interest, what the developer sees as their strengths and pitfalls in pursuing this aim, and how they might draw upon their creativity to overcome potential obstacles and achieve their objective.
Table 1: Comparison of Coaching Assumptions
| Coaching Assumptions | Role of the Coach | Example in Action |
|---|---|---|
| The team is resourceful and capable | Catalyst for the team’s own resourcefulness and capability | Supports a team in learning the ropes of Scrum rather than dictating each step driving engagement and commitment |
| The individual is naturally creative and motivated | Support individuals in connecting with their intrinsic motivations and their progress toward goals | Facilitate conversations to inspire creativity and motivation, identifying individual’s strengths and areas for growth |
Conclusion
In conclusion, these two fundamental coaching assumptions – that the team is resourceful and capable, and that the individual is naturally creative and motivated – underpin the ScrumMaster’s approach to coaching, fostering an environment where both teams and individuals can thrive. To excel in the Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) exam, and more significantly in their professional role, understanding and incorporating these principles is certainly paramount.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Understanding and accepting the coaching assumptions are not vital for a Scrum Master.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: The coaching assumptions underlie the context and essence of the coaching relationship in Scrum, it is fundamental and vital for a Scrum Master to understand and accept these.
Multiple select: Which of the following are basic coaching assumptions in Scrum?
- a) All team members are creative and resourceful.
- b) Scrum Master must solve all team problems.
- c) The team is the expert of its own experience.
- d) Scrum Master needs to lead the team always.
Answer: a, c.
Explanation: Fundamental coaching assumptions in Scrum include the belief that all team members are creative, resourceful, and that the team is the expert of its own experience.
Single select: The assumption that all team members are capable of discovering their own solutions means:
- a) The Scrum Master doesn’t need to be involved in the team’s processes.
- b) The Scrum Master should solve all the problems.
- c) The Scrum Master’s role is to facilitate this discovery process.
- d) The Scrum Master should ignore the team’s problems.
Answer: c.
Explanation: While team members are assumed to be capable of finding their own solutions, the Scrum Master’s role is to facilitate and support this discovery process.
True or False: The ScrumMaster’s role is only limited to organizing daily stand-ups and sprints.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: Although these are some of the duties, the Scrum Master’s role is much broader and includes facilitating the team’s self-discovery process, conflict resolution, and promoting the Scrum values.
True or False: All coaching assumptions in Scrum relate to the role of the Scrum Master.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: While coaching assumptions guide the Scrum Master’s work, they also apply to the team, the organization, and the Scrum framework as a whole.
Single select: The assumption that ‘the client is resourceful and creative’ in Scrum implies that:
- a) The Scrum Master should leave the team alone.
- b) The team doesn’t need any kind of support.
- c) The team has the potential to generate its own solutions and strategies.
- d) The Scrum Master should force the team to find solutions.
Answer: c.
Explanation: This assumption implies that the team is capable of generating its own solutions and strategies rather than being told what to do.
True or False: Coaching assumptions in Scrum are rigid and do not consider the unique context of each team.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: Coaching assumptions in Scrum are principle-based and designed to be adaptable to unique team dynamics and contexts.
Single select: Which of the following best describes the role of the Scrum Master in the light of coaching assumptions?
- a) Instructor
- b) Problem solver
- c) Facilitator
- d) Boss
Answer: c.
Explanation: Given the coaching assumptions that the team members are creative, resourceful, and capable of finding their own solutions, the role of the Scrum Master is primarily that of a facilitator.
True or False: Coaching assumptions in Scrum discourage team autonomy.
- Answer: False.
Explanation: Coaching assumptions in Scrum actually promote team autonomy by assuming that the team is capable of discovering its own solutions.
Multiple select: Which of the following influence the effectiveness of the Scrum Master’s role?
- a) Understanding of coaching assumptions
- b) Knowledge of Scrum framework
- c) Ability to solve every team member problem
- d) Communication skills
Answer: a, b, d.
Explanation: While knowledge of Scrum framework and good communication skills are important, understanding the coaching assumptions is crucial as these assumptions guide how Scrum Master interacts with the team. Ability to solve every team member problem is not expected from Scrum Master.
Discussing the importance of at least two fundamental coaching assumptions is crucial for the CSP-SM exam preparation!
I agree! One key assumption is that coachees have the ability to find their own solutions.
Absolutely! Another vital assumption is the belief in the coachee’s resourcefulness and creativity.
Thanks for the informative post!
Interesting insights! How do you apply these assumptions in real-world scenarios?
I found the point about coachees finding their own solutions really useful.
Great read! This will definitely help with my CSP-SM exam.
How did these assumptions change your approach as a ScrumMaster?