Both systemic coaches and agile coaches usually have a sponsor and have been hired to achieve a goal. Systemic coaches try not to impose their own thoughts and ideas on the discussions. On the other hand, agile coaches’ particular experience and approach highly influence their selection and fit. An Agile Coach may role-model, infusing the organization with agile thinking and practices.

Agile coaching borrows heavily from both systemic and sports coaching. While an agile coach may follow the organization’s agenda, similar to a sports coach, they are aware that there may be various approaches and solutions to a specific problem. They understand that the context and well-being of individuals and teams are crucial for any intervention’s success.

Coaching in general is a soft but structured skill that stretches over months, sometimes years. This allows for defining good practices and coaching structures. It is a skill set that supports individuals or teams to work better by introducing or strengthening agile thinking. Agile Coaching is much more than just walking into an organization, talking to people, running some fancy workshops, placing colorful sticky notes on flip charts, and turning everyone “super-agile.”