Open Letter to the Scrum Alliance Board of Directors

Dear Scrum Alliance Leadership,

We, the undersigned certified coaches and supporters of the Scrum Alliance coaching community, write to you with deep concern regarding the proposed devaluation of the Scrum Alliance Coaching certifications (CEC/CTC) and the role of an agile coach. Removing Guide-level status would reduce coaches to the same standing as Certified Scrum Professionals (CSPs). If enacted, this decision risks undermining years of effort and commitment from those who have worked tirelessly to reach Guide-level status, and it will have lasting, negative impacts on the entire Scrum and Agile community. As a 501 c(6) organization, we expect the Scrum Alliance to promote our common interest and improve business conditions for Scrum practitioners, not to engage in a regular business for profit.

Agile Coaching is a critical function within the Agile ecosystem. As experienced practitioners, coaches have dedicated years to refining their craft, learning, mentoring, and helping organizations implement Agile practices effectively. Guide-level coaches, in particular, hold a unique and invaluable role in guiding individual teams and shaping the broader landscape of Agile adoption and transformation. Removing Guide-level status would diminish the value of these experienced coaches and send a troubling message to the entire coaching community about the recognition and importance of advanced coaching skills.

We ask the Scrum Alliance to reconsider this decision and work with the Scrum coaching community to uphold and further enrich the coaching role within the Scrum framework. To this end, we propose the following actions and initiatives to help support all members, foster growth, and advance the Scrum and Agile movements:

1. Research and Promote the Value of Agile Coaching

• Lean into the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel, created with the support of the Scrum Alliance, and continue to promote the value of coaching in helping organizations achieve meaningful outcomes through Scrum adoption, broader organizational transformation, and continuous improvement.
• Commission and share research on Agile coaches's specific benefits, particularly in improving team performance, fostering innovation, and driving organizational agility.

2. Forge Cross-Industry Partnerships

• Develop partnerships with respected industry bodies and thought leaders such as Gartner, Forrester, and other cross-industry organizations. These collaborations raise awareness of the value of coaching and strengthen the role of certified coaches across diverse sectors.
• Position the Scrum Alliance and its coaches as leaders in organizational change and transformation, building deeper respect for the coaching profession.

3. Support Lifelong Learning and Professional Development

• Ensure a robust pipeline of lifelong learning content for Agile coaches at all levels, offering advanced and specialized courses as part of Scrum Alliance membership benefits and teaching opportunities for coaches and trainers.
• Create mentorship opportunities for members who wish to advance their skills and deepen their expertise.

4. Provide Access to Relevant Industry News and Trends

• Reinstate the peer-reviewed articles and resources previously offered before the development of the Scrum Alliance’s printed magazine. These insights were invaluable to members striving to stay at the forefront of industry developments and best practices.
• Curate and share relevant news, trends, and case studies that demonstrate the real-world impact of Scrum, as well as structured learning and coaching, reinforcing the profession’s credibility.

5. Offer a Clear Career Path for Agile Coaches

• Recognize and strengthen Agile coaches' career progression by maintaining distinct, progressive levels of certification and status (e.g., from CSP to Coach to Guide level coach), clarifying how coaches can grow within the Scrum Alliance.
• Ensure that the path to Guide-level status remains achievable and meaningful, offering guidance on how coaches can continue their development within the Alliance.

6. Foster a Community of Collaboration and Support

• Establish communities of practice where coaches can continue to learn from one another, share experiences, and collaborate on tackling the complex challenges of creating agile organizations and teams.
• Provide platforms for certified coaches to mentor newer practitioners, strengthening the overall quality of Agile coaching across the community.

7. Create Clear Recognition for Advanced Coaching Expertise

• Guide-level status should remain a recognized symbol of advanced expertise, distinguishing seasoned coaches with high levels of competence and leadership in building agile organizations and teams. 
• Highlight the tangible and strategic benefits that Guide-level coaches bring to organizations, including their ability to mentor, facilitate complex transformations, and drive continuous improvement.

Scrum coaching is indispensable in shaping the future of work, and the Scrum Alliance should champion this role. We ask that you take immediate action to support Scrum coaches' continued recognition and development at all levels. By doing so, you will not only protect the integrity of the coaching profession but also enhance the overall strength and impact of the Scrum Alliance and Agility in general.

We urge the Scrum Alliance to listen to its members and collaborate with the Scrum coaching community to preserve the value of our work and advance its collective goals.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to a thoughtful and open dialogue to ensure the continued growth and success of the Agile community.

Sincerely,
Changemakers