The Agile Coach Role Decoded: What Agile Coaches Deliver Versus What Team Members Experience

Abstract

As organizations increasingly adopt agile methodologies to navigate digital transformation, the role of the agile coach has emerged as a critical yet ambiguously defined element of success. This exploratory study investigates agile coaching from a dual perspective, coaches and team members, to better understand the approaches, tools, and perceptions that shape coaching effectiveness. Drawing on survey data from 301 respondents, the study reveals both alignment and divergence in how coaching roles, success characteristics, accountability, and performance metrics are perceived. While both groups value interpersonal skills and team accountability, team members tend to seek more directive support and tangible outcomes, whereas coaches emphasize facilitation and systemic impact. The findings depict the need for more explicit role definitions, mutual expectation setting, and adaptive coaching strategies. Practical recommendations are proposed to bridge perceptual gaps and enhance coaching relationships. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on agile transformation by offering actionable insights for improving coaching alignment and team performance.