Mentoring and Gratitude

Written By Allison Pollard

Photo by Shannon Kringen

I just finished a virtual coaching class, and I am now an ICAgile Certified Professional in Agile Coaching!  I loved the class, and I learned a lot by practicing coaching skills over the 7 weeks.  During the class, we watched a video about gratitude that got me thinking about the role of mentors in the agile transition:

By the time I "really" became a Scrum Master, I was already part of the agile community and knew people with more experience that I could learn from.  I had someone to tell me to trust my instincts and be proud of my small wins.  I was excited to tell him about the magic I had found in posting 300 index cards with features and defects on walls for our business folks to prioritize, and he laughed and smiled with delight.  He has been instrumental in making me the coach that I am today.

Now as a coach, I find myself showing gratitude for the Scrum Masters and teams that I work with:

 

And showing gratitude for my peers:

And I'm in an environment of gratitude:

And some are showing their gratitude for my coaching:

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com
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