Agile Coaching Is Kinda Like Being a Surfer

The recent historic flash flood in New York City plunged the city under a month’s worth of rainfall in just three hours. It created havoc for its citizens, half-submerged cars and turned the city into a dystopian waterscape. The scenes of water-filled roadways and people wading waist-deep through the streets was reminiscent of the the movie Reminiscence.

The nature of water is often used as a metaphor for life itself. Life is like a flowing river. At times calm and serene. At other times turbulent and tumultuous.

What if the developmental stages of the organizations we work in were portrayed in terms of the relative flow of water?

1. Early stage start-ups would resemble a trickling stream or a babbling brook. A big idea looking for investment and a market.
2. Mid stage growth companies would resemble a raging, roaring river. A viral product or service making its mark in a geography and aspiring to expand its market globally.
3. Mature established companies would resemble majestic lake or ocean currents. A market leader looking to diversify its offerings and reinvent itself.
4. Late stage declining companies would resemble a stagnant cesspool. A victim of its own success becoming complacent and ceasing to innovate and improve.

And, within every company, I could imagine the flow of water within its constituent parts would vary from a trickle to a deluge to a cesspool.

As an Agile coach, how might I use this water analogy to benefit my client?

Am I dealing with a babbling brook, a churning swirling whirlpool, a tsunami, a burst dam or a dead sea?

What if my coaching style were to flow like the water flows in the organization?

Most of the time, I would go with the flow, adjusting and adapting my level of intervention in step with the speed and force of the water.

Going against the flow will often generate resistance and the water will just continue to flow around me, gradually wearing me down over time like a river eroding a rock in its path down to pebbles and sand.

Better to be like water.

If I’m in an organization swelling with rolling waves, I become a surfer 🏄‍♂️ waiting for surf’s up.

As a surfer, I would:

1. Watch for wave patterns. Observing and noticing the ebb and flow of waves. Where do they originate from? When do they appear? How long do they last?
2. Talk to experienced surfers for insider information. Those who have surfed these waves before will have a wealth of context and advice to help me succeed.
3. Wade out with board and patiently wait. Wait for the pull of incoming waves rather than push ahead aimlessly.
4. Spot the wave you want. Rather than going after the first wave or any wave that appears, take the time to assess each and find one the aligns with your intent.
5. Hop on and sit on the board. Prepare myself mentally and physically to engage and interact, gathering all the necessary resources.
6. Push off and line up with the wave as it approaches. Start to connect and communicate my efforts in support of the wave.
7. Paddle into the wave to catch it and match its speed. Fully immerse, integrate and adapt my efforts as one with the wave.
8. Be mindful of other surfers. Be aware of and acknowledge the presence of other waves and surfers. Other waves that may amplify or dampen your chosen wave.
9. Balance yourself as you stand to ride the wave. The moment of truth and glory finally arrives. Whatever happens is the only thing that could happen. Whether I hang ten or wipeout, there’s always something to learn and improve.

I know that after the wave crests, dissipates and subsides, the water will become calm and serene once again.

So,

• Enjoy the ride while it lasts.
• Savour the calm to recharge and reflect.
• Get set for the next big wave when it comes along.