Topic
Creating a Coaching Network
Suggested by Giora Morein; Transcribed by Russell Earnest
Summary
The main issue being addressed here is that there is no repository out there for people in need of Agile / Scrum coaches to go to and find the coaching talent they need.
It would be helpful if those with good qualifications and experience could build a network, or even a guild, to make themselves known.
- Being a member should mean something.
- How do we know they're good?
- What is their style?
- What work are they looking for?
- Do we refer each other? i.e. - You need a certain number of referrals from within the group to join?
This may start out as a social network turning into a posting of opportunities open and needed.
Who do we trust to start the guild? Do we look for active, practicing coaches?
Should this ne an independent effort by professionals? Or should we operate within either the Agile or Scrum alliance?
Going forward - Let's plan to talk again at the Agile 2008 Conference.
Also - Let's start a Google group just to see who's interested.
The following people want to be involved going forward:
Russell Earnest - russell.earnest@housing.gatech.edu
Bob Sarni - bsarni@ciber.com (note: The Scrum Alliance has a coaching certification now - the Certified Scrum Coach, granted it is Scrum specific. For some reason new applicants have not been added since the initial eight CSCs were accepted, I am one of eight that have been accepted as a CSC during the beta testing of the application process. I am not sure if others have applied or what has occured with the CSC process - good question for the Alliance. I would love to see the number grow beyond eight!).
Joe Little (jhlittle / kittyhawkconsulting / com) : I wasn't there (doing another session), but some comments. I would consider breaking down the issues. One issue is establishing the need with the client, and marketing a solution. (ie, I think more people have the need than are aware of it...that requires a kind of education. Once someone identifies the need, then lots of groups (firms, people) vie to offer a solution. Then a client wants a solution, and the consulting firm looks for people to fulfill the solution. Now, sometimes consulting firms need help in "technical sales" (ie, working out what the solution in the sales cycle), but more often they need help in getting people who can actually deliver. I was thinking that was where the networking would be most valuable. Thoughts?
