‘Agile Focal Point’ Podcast Features ALJ Guides

From dispelling myths about agile leadership to the introduction of AI in coaching, Agile Focal Point podcast host Mike Leber and his fellow Agile Leadership Journey Guides Brad Swanson and Allen Jellas had a wide-ranging discussion on a recent episode.

While Leber, Swanson, and Jellas are all ALJ Guides and coaches, their stories, challenges, and goals are unique. A common thread among them? As they rose into leadership roles, they were shocked at how little formal leadership training was offered. Problem-solvers at heart, they’ve each made it their mission to show leaders how to positively impact the individuals, teams, and organizations they work with.

Read on for a recap of some of the topics they discussed, and then be sure to listen to the full episode ofAgileFocal Point here.

Misconceptions About Agile Leadership

The group discussed what they see as a common misconception about agile leadership, with Swanson explaining, “A lot of leaders believe that, ‘Oh, well, this agile thing is just a process that we kind of install at the team level.’ And then of course they expect teams are now going to be better, faster, more productive in some way. They fail to see that in order for that to thrive, they need to change the way they lead. Perhaps they need to shape the culture a little bit differently. They may need to behave a little bit differently as leaders. They may need to change some of the structures within the organization.”

Advice for Leaders

Look inward. Jellas said, “In my experience, I could feel many leaders actually becoming more aware that something needs to change within them, so starting with themselves before they start considering any changes in the organization.” Leber agreed, saying, “Consider, ‘How would a different leadership style or more awareness or anything else help me here or make a difference?”
Become comfortable with uncertainty. This will allow you to be more flexible in the ways you lead individuals and teams.
Have confident humility. Leaders who are confident in what success looks like, and what the vision is, will have much more clarity. But pair that with humility to recognize that you don't have all the answers and need engagement from your team.
Don’t make sweeping generalizations. Swanson said that he sees leaders make broad assumptions, especially about generational attitudes. “It is dangerous to make statements like, ‘Oh, well, Millennials are this way or Generation Z is this way.’ There may be some truth in that, on average, but there’s a lot of variation among people. … Think, ‘What different perspectives do they have? What value can they bring?’”

Attributes of Good Coaches

Be an active listener and ask powerful questions. Approaching things from a genuinely curious place and listening without already forming an answer in your head. It opens up both the client and coach to different perspectives.
Create accountability when it comes to changing behaviors. To facilitate this, the group recommended using ALJ’s Catalyst Canvas™, a helpful tool for goal-setting and problem-solving.

Where Will AI Take Coaching?

Finally, Leber, Jellas, and Swanson conclude the podcast by mulling over the future of coaches in a world of artificial intelligence (AI). The group encouraged a relatively short-term outlook on the topic – not because they see AI as a passing fad, but because the technology is evolving so quickly. Adaptability and agility will be paramount.

Dive deeper into the conversation. Listen to the full Agile Focal Point Episode #13: Guiding Leaders in Complexity here.