The Value Conundrum

Are you adding value?

I recently collaborated with a host for an Ask Me Anything session. He shared some of the questions below in advance with me—

• In which sense is it currently changing what value means for customers? Do you think that organizations demand something different from agilists nowadays?

• In your mind, do you differentiate between different "types" of value?

• How to show value in short-term gigs?

• You hold countless talks and AMA about this topic. What patterns do you experienced? What concerns people? What are they afraid of?

• What is your advice to agilists that

  • just get started

  • are more senior

• Would your advice differ between both groups above?

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In general, it made me reflect more on the value of being an agilist—

• What is it?

• How nuanced is it?

• What are the various aspects?

• How to deliver it?

• How can I ensure I’m viewed as valuable?

• How do I build or increase my perceived and actual value over time?

What constitutes value?

As I deeply reflected on this question, I was surprised by how many value-based characteristics or patterns emerged—

1. Insight Value—you help your clients see things they might not otherwise see by sharing your insights (stories, experiences, outcomes) for a particular situation. The value is in how you helpfully connect your experiences so that your client can connect the dots.

2. Trust Value—You’ve proven to your client that they can trust you. You’ve become what I like to envision as a Trusted Partner. Establishing and emerging from a trustworthy support track record takes time. One measure is how often you’re asked to participate in offering your advice.

3. Problem Solving Value—I don’t necessarily like the adage of—“Bring me solutions, not problems,” but there is some truth to the value that being a problem solver is within a coaching context. The conundrum is how often to adopt the stance.