ICP ICP Agile Coaching Foundations & Mindset 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'beginner's mind' (Shoshin) as applied in Agile coaching?
- Coaching only junior developers
- Approaching each situation with openness and no preconceptions, as if for the first time (Correct answer)
- Learning new Agile frameworks before coaching
- Starting every sprint retrospective from scratch
Correct answer: Approaching each situation with openness and no preconceptions, as if for the first time
Beginner's mind is a Zen concept meaning to approach situations without assumptions or preconceptions, enabling genuine curiosity and learning.
Question 2: In the Agile coaching role spectrum, what is the primary focus of the 'coach' role versus the 'trainer' role?
- The coach delivers content; the trainer asks questions
- The coach works with awareness and behavioral change; the trainer transfers knowledge (Correct answer)
- The coach manages teams; the trainer manages curriculum
- The coach evaluates performance; the trainer creates content
Correct answer: The coach works with awareness and behavioral change; the trainer transfers knowledge
In Agile coaching, the trainer role transfers knowledge and skills, while the coach role focuses on supporting awareness, reflection, and lasting behavioral change.
Question 3: What does 'contracting' refer to in professional Agile coaching?
- Signing vendor agreements for Agile tools
- Establishing the terms, goals, and boundaries of the coaching engagement (Correct answer)
- Writing user stories as a contract with stakeholders
- Agreeing on sprint commitments with the team
Correct answer: Establishing the terms, goals, and boundaries of the coaching engagement
Contracting in coaching refers to the explicit agreement between coach and client about the purpose, process, and boundaries of their coaching relationship.
Question 4: Which metaphor best describes the Agile coach's role in team development?
- A captain steering the ship
- A gardener creating conditions for growth (Correct answer)
- An architect designing the solution
- A referee enforcing the rules
Correct answer: A gardener creating conditions for growth
Like a gardener, an Agile coach creates the right conditions for teams to grow and thrive rather than directing their every action.
Question 5: What is the 'coach as instrument' concept in ICP-ACC?
- Using specific coaching tools and frameworks
- The coach using their own self-awareness, emotions, and reactions as data in coaching (Correct answer)
- Measuring coaching effectiveness with metrics
- Standardizing coaching techniques across an organization
Correct answer: The coach using their own self-awareness, emotions, and reactions as data in coaching
'Coach as instrument' means the coach uses their own internal experience, emotions, and intuitions as valuable data to inform their coaching.
Question 6: Which of the following best represents a 'coaching question' as opposed to a 'consulting response'?
- 'What Agile framework should we use?' vs 'How will you approach this challenge?'
- 'Have you read the Scrum Guide?' vs 'What do you want to explore today?'
- 'What options do you see?' vs 'Here is what I recommend you do' (Correct answer)
- 'What is your burn-down rate?' vs 'What is your team capacity?'
Correct answer: 'What options do you see?' vs 'Here is what I recommend you do'
Coaching questions open exploration and draw out the client's own thinking, while consulting provides expert advice and recommendations.
ICP ICP Agile Coaching Foundations & Mindset 2
What is 'beginner's mind' (Shoshin) as applied in Agile coaching?