Creating a coaching agreement is a crucial aspect of the Certified Scrum Professional – ScrumMaster (CSP-SM) examination, and for any ScrumMaster role in general. The role of a ScrumMaster is that of a coach and facilitator for a cross-functional team operating under the Agile framework. As such, setting clear expectations, roles, and responsibilities through a coaching agreement is significant.
Importance of a Coaching Agreement
Creating a coaching agreement can provide clarity on what the coachee wants to achieve with the coaching collaboration. It also chalks out the responsibilities of a CSP-SM trained ScrumMaster as a coach, delineating the boundaries within which the coaching will take place. It’s an essential document that helps maintain transparency, enhances trust, and ultimately brings about productive results.
Elements of a Coaching Agreement
Creating a coaching agreement involves distinct steps, emphasis on several key areas, and following the Agile and Scrum guidelines. Here are some critical elements to consider while creating a coaching agreement:
Scope of Work
Clearly, define what the coaching engagement will entail. What areas will be covered? How will the ScrumMaster’s coaching contribute towards achieving the team’s goals and objectives?
Roles and Responsibilities
Clarify who the main stakeholders in this agreement are and what their roles and responsibilities will be.
Confidentiality
As a ScrumMaster and coach, ensure you address the question of confidentiality. Agile teams should feel safe to share their challenges and issues without fearing repercussions.
Communication Methods
Describe how and when communication will occur between the stakeholders. Setting protocols for communication can ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Duration and Schedule
Include details about the length and schedule of the coaching engagement. Planning a roadmap of the engagement will provide a structured approach.
Terms of Agreement
Highlight the terms of the agreement, how revisions or alterations can be made, and, if necessary, the method for terminating the engagement.
Elements | Description |
---|---|
Scope of Work | Defines the areas covered in the coaching |
Roles and Responsibilities | Outlines all stakeholders and their duties |
Confidentiality | Ensures privacy and trust |
Communication Methods | Protocols for regular updates and discussions |
Duration and Schedule | Clear roadmap of coaching engagement |
Terms of Agreement | Guidelines for revisions or termination |
Crafting a Coaching Agreement: An Example
Consider a hypothetical situation with a Scrum team aiming to deliver an innovative app for dog lovers. Here’s how a CSP-SM Certified ScrumMaster can create a coaching agreement:
Scope of Work: Providing coaching to the team on Agile and Scrum principles, helping them enhance their efficiency, productivity and improving their collaboration and communication.
Roles and Responsibilities: The ScrumMaster will act as a coach, facilitator and mentor. The team members will actively participate in all Agile and Scrum activities, stay open to learning, and be proactive in sharing their challenges.
Confidentiality: The ScrumMaster will maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues and personal data. The team should trust that their inputs will be used solely for improving the project execution.
Communication Methods: Regular team meetings, product backlog refinement sessions, sprint reviews, sprint retrospectives, and one-on-one meetings. Also, maintaining an open-door policy for any discussions required outside of these sessions.
Duration and Schedule: The coaching engagement will last for the entire duration of the project, i.e., 6 months. Sprint cycles, regular meetings, and learning workshops will schedule according to the team’s convenience.
Terms of Agreement: Any party can suggest changes to the agreement through open discussions in the sprint retrospectives. Termination of coaching engagement is possible with mutual consent.
Remember that while this example caters to a software development project, the principles apply across different sectors and project types. Be it a marketing team exploring Agile ideologies or a manufacturing unit trying to implement Scrum, a coaching agreement brings clarity, transparency, and measurable results.
Practice Test
True or False: A coaching agreement in Scrum is a document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the coach and the coachee.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A coaching agreement in Scrum helps to clearly define the coach and coachee relationship and the expectations of both parties. It guides the coaching process and ensures a common understanding.
Who initiates the coaching agreement in Scrum?
- A) Scrum Master
- B) Product Owner
- C) Development Team
- D) Stakeholders
Answer: A) Scrum Master
Explanation: As the facilitator and coach in the Scrum process, it’s the Scrum Master’s responsibility to initiate the coaching agreement.
True or False: A coaching agreement should strictly determine the outcomes or results of the coaching process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A coaching agreement sets the framework for the coaching process, but it should not pre-determine the outcomes. It is the process that is focused on learning and growth, maintaining flexibility to fit the coachee’s development.
Multiple Select: What elements should a coaching agreement include?
- A) The Goals
- B) The Roles
- C) The Coaching Techniques
- D) The Food Preferences
Answer: A) The Goals, B) The Roles, C) The Coaching Techniques
Explanation: A coaching agreement in Scrum should include the goals to be achieved, the roles of the coach and coachee, as well as the techniques to be used. Food preferences do not figure in a professional coaching agreement.
True or False: It is not necessary to have a set time frame in the coaching agreement.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Setting a time frame in the coaching agreement provides structure and focus to the coaching process. It also provides a marker for review and re-evaluation.
A Scrum Master cannot act as a coach.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: A Scrum Master can indeed act as a coach. Part of the Scrum Master role is to coach the team in scrum principles and to help them improve.
The coaching agreement should be a static document that does not change once it has been agreed upon.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: The coaching agreement should be a dynamic document that can be adjusted and revised according to the changing needs and progress of the coachee.
True or False: Confidentiality is a crucial element of a coaching agreement.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Confidentiality within the coaching agreement is necessary to foster trust and openness between the coach and the coachee. It allows the coachee to feel safe and supported.
Single Select: Who typically ends the coaching engagement in Scrum?
- A) Scrum Master
- B) Product Owner
- C) Development Team
- D) All of the Above
Answer: A) Scrum Master
Explanation: The Scrum Master, acting as the coach, typically ends the coaching engagement depending on the progress made towards the coaching goals.
The coaching agreement only includes the responsibilities of the coachee, not the coach.
- A) True
- B) False
Answer: B) False
Explanation: The coaching agreement should clearly outline the responsibilities of both the coach and the coachee. This helps ensure mutual accountability and sets a clear expectation of roles.
Interview Questions
What is a coaching agreement in Scrum?
A coaching agreement is a contract between the scrum master and team members, specifying the expectations, roles, and goals for both parties. It’s a critical part of building trust and transparency within the team, putting in writing what team members can expect from the scrum master, and vice versa.
Why is a coaching agreement necessary in Scrum?
A coaching agreement is necessary to clearly define expectations, establish the role of the Scrum master, generate a shared understanding of goals, and build a foundation of trust within the team.
How does a coaching agreement support the Scrum values?
The coaching agreement embodies all five Scrum values – commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect. It explicates the commitment from all parties, encourages courage in addressing difficulties, helps maintain focus on goals, promotes openness through transparency of roles, and ensures respect by setting clear expectations.
What are some common elements of a coaching agreement in Scrum?
A coaching agreement often includes various elements, such as the scope and duration of the coaching, roles and responsibilities of the scrum master, objectives, communication norms, meeting schedules, expected behaviors, confidentiality clauses, and the agreement review process.
As a ScrumMaster, what if a team member is not adhering to the coaching agreement?
The ScrumMaster should address this issue with openness and honesty. They might have a one-on-one discussion with the team member to understand their concerns or challenges, and mutually work on solutions or adjustments to the coaching agreement.
How often should a coaching agreement be reviewed?
This largely depends on the dynamics of the team and the duration of the project, but it’s generally recommended to review the coaching agreement at regular intervals (such as every sprint or at least quarterly) or when there are significant changes in the team or objectives.
How should the ScrumMaster respond when the coaching agreement needs to be adjusted?
The ScrumMaster should initiate a conversation about the changes needed, fostering an open dialogue to develop a mutual understanding and agreement on any adjustments.
Who should be involved in developing the coaching agreement in Scrum?
The ScrumMaster and all team members should be involved in developing the coaching agreement, ensuring that it reflects everyone’s expectations and understanding.
Does the coaching agreement need to be documented?
Yes, documentation of the agreement helps ensure clarity, easy reference, and minimizes misunderstandings.
Is the coaching agreement a standard part of Scrum?
While not explicitly mentioned in the Scrum Guide, the coaching agreement is considered a best practice by many Scrum professionals for establishing a successful Scrum Master – team relationship.
How can the coaching agreement help in resolving conflicts within the Scrum team?
The coaching agreement can serve as a reference point to remind all parties of their agreed roles, responsibilities and expected behaviours, helping to guide resolution of conflicts in line with these agreed terms.
What can the scrum master do if the team refuses to adhere to the coaching agreement.
The scrum master can facilitate a discussion to understand the reasons for non-adherence and negotiate adjustments to the agreement, with the goal of finding a solution acceptable to all.