Agilispulse

Our opinions and advice

How to choose the right Agile coach?

Hiring a good Agile coach isn’t just about obtaining a certification. It’s about identifying a profile capable of combining technical expertise, a facilitator’s approach, and interpersonal skills. Whether you’re supporting an organizational transformation or leading an IT project, certain key skills should guide your selection.

1. Methodological excellence and certification

A good Agile coach has an in-depth mastery of methodologies (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, etc.) supported by significant field experience..
 Most come from technical backgrounds (project management, IT, software development), which allows them to adapt Agile practices to varied contexts..
 Certifications such as PSM, CSM, SAFe Agilist Or ICP-ACC are essential prerequisites, but must be supplemented by an ability to develop teams towards advanced and efficient practices.

2. Exceptional communication skills

An Agile coach must be an excellent communicator, equally at ease speaking and writing. They must know:
  • clarify project objectives and expectations,
  • lead engaging workshops and retrospectives,
  • produce or enrich documentation (user stories, processes, user guides, training materials),
  • streamline exchanges between technical and business teams.

3. Strong project management skills

Even within an Agile framework, traditional project management skills remain valuable: planning, risk management, value-based management, cross-functional team coordination, etc. An experienced coach will know how to make the necessary trade-offs between workload, deadlines and quality, while keeping the team engaged and autonomous.

4. Understanding the technical context

The coach’s technical background is an asset, particularly for:

  • communicate effectively with engineering teams,
  • understand the architectural or integration constraints,
  • adapt Agile practices to complex environments (legacy, cloud, DevOps, etc.).

For a transformation at scale, favor profiles mastering frameworks such as SAFe, LeSS, ou Disciplined Agile.

5. Ability to train and transmit

The best coaches are also excellent trainers. They know:
  • organize impactful educational sessions (initiation, PO, Scrum Master, management),
  • produce clear and suitable materials,
  • support the skills development of all stakeholders, including decision-makers.

They actively participate in the onboarding of new members and the capitalization of best practices.

6. Mentoring approach and coaching posture

Beyond the method, Agility is a state of mind.
 The most effective coaches are also mentors, able to transmit their vision, inspire teams, and help them take responsibility.
 They use a clever mix of individual coaching, field observation and constructive feedback to sustainably anchor changes in working habits.