Rethinking Availability: It's About What's Needed, Not the Hours

As a coach or Scrum Master, I frequently receive requests for my services. One question that consistently comes up is how many hours per week I am available. Often, organizations are looking for someone to fill a 36 or even 40-hour position. However, this traditional approach to availability may no longer be relevant in today's dynamic work environment. Rather than focusing on the number of hours, it is crucial to consider what is truly needed for the job at hand.

The Nature of Thought Processes: I personally don't envision myself dedicating eight hours a day, five days a week solely to coaching. Like anyone engaged in thought processes, including myself, I recognize that these processes cannot be confined to a specific timeframe. Some days, I may spend an entire day in discussions, actively listening, and observing. I devise solutions and sometimes encounter mental roadblocks. It is an ongoing process that doesn't adhere to a rigid schedule. It is no different from solving a software problem, where a programmer isn't coding for eight consecutive hours but rather engaging in extensive thinking and considering various aspects of the process.

Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches: While I understand the importance of employers knowing about my availability, it should not be the primary concern. Instead, the focus should be on whether I can bring value and provide assistance. This could range from a few hours in a week to a more substantial commitment. The required involvement can vary depending on the specific period and circumstances.

Embracing Flexibility: Rather than fixating on rigid work hours, organizations should embrace flexibility when engaging coaches and Scrum Masters. Agile methodologies themselves promote adaptability and responsiveness, and this should extend to the way we approach resource allocation. By considering the actual needs of a project or initiative, we can ensure that the right level of support is provided without being constrained by arbitrary time constraints.

In the modern work landscape, it is time to shift our focus from traditional notions of availability to a more nuanced understanding of what is truly required. Coaches and Scrum Masters, like professionals engaged in complex thought processes, cannot be confined to rigid schedules. Instead, the emphasis should be on identifying opportunities to provide valuable assistance, regardless of the number of hours involved. By embracing flexibility and aligning with the principles of agility, organizations can benefit from a more effective and tailored approach to collaboration and problem-solving.