Recruiter – If you’re serious, search for yourself
Recruiter
Hard-working people, we think. They’re also very kind, friendly and courteous. Talking to them on the phone is usually a positive experience. They typically take a lot of time for the person they are talking to, ask questions and give answers – if they have them.
The unpleasant part is that these nice phone calls don’t bring much apart from a good atmosphere. The reason for this – especially for agilists – is obvious on closer inspection: Recruiters are not end-customers!
They have neither a deep insight into the company nor the position for which they are looking for a suitable candidate. The data they are provided with are the position, requirements profile, duration of employment and budget per working day. This may sometimes work quite well for permanent positions – but when it comes to finding the right coach for an agile transformation?
Between you and me: A company wants to change the way it works and wants the support of a professional. And it then outsources THAT to a recruiter? Courageous.
If the steps that need to be taken for a company transformation are known, why do they need an agile coach? And if the steps are not known, how can the duration and frequency of the work and the allocation of the available budget be specified?
As experienced agile coaches, we then explain the higher daily rates and the lower time expenditure in the company. We skilfully explain that the aim is for employees to quickly become independent in the new work situation and that the constant presence of a coach counteracts this. We argue according to all the rules of the art – but unfortunately to the wrong listener. There, at the other end of the line, is a recruiter whose job is to find the coach who is prepared to accept the given framework conditions and act accordingly.
What is this about? A successful transformation? Or is it more about sending out a signal that we have ‘tried everything – but this stuff doesn’t work’?
Our conclusion is this: Dear agile coaches! Be sceptical if you are invited to an agile transformation by a recruiter. The chances of being successful there are usually rather slim. Protect your good name – it deserves it!
Dear entrepreneurs! If you are serious about using agile working in your company to contribute to the success and satisfaction of your employees and customers, then take the time to talk to agile coaches in person. We can do more than just explain the basics of Scrum. And we are happy to work extensively on the success of your company. If you’re serious about it.
We gave a Pecha Kucha on the topic at the OOP Conference 2016. The German video is available here (many thanks to Fabian Schiller for the recording).
