In this episode of the Agile Skills Library podcast, experienced agile coaches Paul Goddard and Geoff Watts explore the art of giving feedback within teams. They discuss why feedback is vital for empowerment and self-management, highlight common pitfalls, and introduce practical models like Non Violent Communication and AID. Sharing personal stories and actionable tips, they emphasise the importance of timing, environment, and tailoring feedback to individuals. Their informal, insightful conversation inspires agile practitioners to embrace feedback as a regular, constructive practice for team growth and stronger collaboration.

Downloadable content available from

https://www.agilify.co.uk/resources/the-agile-skills-library/ep2-giving-feedback-that-transforms-agile-teams/

Timestamps by PodSqueeze

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:03)

Paul and Geoff introduce themselves, the podcast, and the purpose of sharing agile and leadership techniques.

Why Feedback is Important (00:01:06)

Discussion on the significance of feedback for team empowerment, agency, and self-management.

Cultural and Emotional Barriers to Feedback (00:03:29)

Exploring why feedback is uncomfortable, including cultural differences and personal sensitivities.

Benefits of Overcoming Feedback Fear (00:05:07)

How teams improve after difficult feedback conversations and the positive impact on team dynamics.

Frequency and Timing of Feedback (00:06:06)

The importance of giving feedback regularly to reduce discomfort and improve effectiveness.

Common Feedback Traps (00:06:45)

Overview of pitfalls like the praise sandwich, hearsay, long-winded feedback, and sugarcoating.

Additional Feedback Traps: Labeling and Extremes (00:10:18)

Highlighting the problems with labeling people and using words like "always" and "never."

Structured Feedback Models Introduction (00:11:09)

Transition to introducing structured models for giving effective feedback.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) Model (00:12:03)

Explanation of the NVC model: observation, feeling, need, and request.

AID Model for Feedback (00:15:25)

Introduction to the AID model: Action, Impact, Desired outcome.

The Perfection Game (00:16:31)

Description of the Perfection Game feedback method, including scoring and improvement suggestions.

General Tips for Giving Feedback (00:18:34)

Practical advice for offering, framing, and personalizing feedback.

Creating a Safe Feedback Environment (00:20:28)

Importance of preparing the recipient and choosing the right timing and setting for feedback.

Adapting Feedback Delivery to the Receiver (00:22:29)

Tailoring feedback methods to the preferences of the person receiving it.

Owning Your Feedback and Overcoming People-Pleasing (00:23:04)

Encouragement to own feedback and address people-pleasing tendencies that hinder honest communication.

Little and Often: Building Feedback Habits (00:25:04)

Advocating for frequent, small feedback moments to normalize the process.

Avoiding Annual Feedback Rituals (00:26:10)

Critique of infrequent, formal feedback sessions and their ineffectiveness.

Episode Wrap-Up and Next Steps (00:26:38)

Preview of the next episode on receiving feedback and invitation for listener feedback.

In this first episode of The Agile Skills Library, Geoff Watts and Paul Goddard unpack SPEED coaching — a simple way to choose how to help, not just what to do.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “Should I give advice here… ask better questions… step back… or change the system instead?” — this episode is for you.

SPEED is a simple but surprisingly powerful way to consciously choose how you help, based on the situation, the relationship, and the kind of impact you’re aiming for. It’s not about “doing coaching properly” or sticking rigidly to one style. It’s about judgment.

In this episode, we walk through the full SPEED model using a very real Scrum Master scenario, exploring when each approach makes sense, the trade-offs involved, and why faster help often creates dependency — while slower help tends to stick.

This episode is primarily aimed at Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and team coaches, but the ideas apply just as well if you’re a leader, a manager, or even thinking through your own decisions.

You’ll also find a free downloadable SPEED coaching template from the link below to help you use the model with a team, a colleague, or yourself.

https://www.inspectandadapt.com/podcasts/ep1-speed-coaching

Timestamps

Introduction to the Podcast and Series (00:00:03)

Geoff and Paul introduce themselves, the podcast, and the Agile Skills Library series.

Purpose and Audience of SPEED Coaching (00:00:46)

Explanation of the SPEED Coaching technique, its intended audience, and why it’s important.

Coaching Myths and Directive vs. Non-Directive Styles (00:03:04)

Discussion of common coaching myths, especially about Socratic questioning and directive vs. non-directive coaching.

Overview of the SPEED Model (00:04:30)

Introduction to the SPEED acronym, its temporal aspect, and the impact of different coaching stances.

Scenario Setup: Retrospectives Not Leading to Action (00:07:03)

A practical scenario is introduced: a team not implementing retrospective improvements.

S: Suggestions (00:08:14)

Explaining the “Suggestions” stance—giving direct ideas or advice to the team.

P: Proof (00:12:19)

Explaining the “Proof” stance—providing data, evidence, or encouraging experiments to inform decisions.

E: Enablers (00:16:38)

Explaining the “Enablers” stance—helping the team by removing impediments or providing tools/templates.

E: Environment (00:20:28)

Explaining the “Environment” stance—changing systemic or environmental factors to influence team behavior.

D: Drivers (00:23:53)

Explaining the “Drivers” stance—exploring core values, motivations, and personal/team drivers for deeper change.

Recap and Application Tips (00:26:15)

Summary of the SPEED model, emphasising conscious choice and that no stance is inherently good or bad.

Template and Listener Engagement (00:28:10)

Announcement of a downloadable SPEED Coaching template and invitation for listener feedback.

Series Continuation and Call for Input (00:28:44)

Encouragement for listeners to suggest future topics and help shape the podcast’s direction.

Closing Remarks (00:29:49)

Thanking listeners, encouraging use of the technique, and signing off.

Geoff Watts and Paul Goddard announce the launch of their new podcast, The Agile Skills Library. Each episode, no longer than 30 minutes, will cover a specific Agile technique they've learned through years of coaching and teaching.

Episodes will include free downloadable templates to help listeners implement the techniques.

Stay tuned for more information and be sure to subscribe to get the latest episodes as soon as they are released.