Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile Storytelling from the Trenches
Episode: BONUS Solution-Focused Coaching for Agile Teams With Ralf and Veronika
Host: Vasco Duarte
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction to Solution-Focused Coaching

In this bonus episode of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, host Vasco Duarte engages in an enlightening conversation with Ralf Mierka and Veronika Jungvirth, the co-authors of Solution Focused Coaching for Agile Teams. The discussion centers around the principles and practical applications of solution-focused coaching within agile environments, offering valuable insights for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches seeking to enhance their coaching methodologies.

Understanding Solution-Focused Coaching

Veronika begins by demystifying solution-focused coaching, contrasting it with traditional problem-solving approaches commonly used in retrospectives and root cause analyses.

Veronika Jungvirth [02:47]:
"Solution focus focuses on the goal itself. So the word solution focus is a bit irritating maybe because we are not talking about how can we solve something? First we talk about what do we want to achieve... we immediately go into the future and try to find out and to be clear about what do we want to achieve and how can we get there from where we are at the moment."

This approach emphasizes defining and pursuing desired outcomes rather than delving into the origins of problems, thereby fostering a forward-thinking mindset.

Solution-Focused vs. Problem-Solving Approaches

Vasco raises a critical point about the necessity of understanding root causes in engineering contexts, prompting Ralf to elaborate on the distinction between complicated and complex problems.

Ralf Mierka [04:40]:
"In engineering problems are in the sphere of the Cynefin model, there are complicated problems... in a complex world, whenever we have humans involved, we immediately come into a complex world. There it is basically impossible to go through and find all the causes and all the root causes..."

Ralf explains that in complex scenarios, especially those involving human interactions, seeking exhaustive root cause analyses can be impractical. Instead, solution-focused coaching advocates for defining future goals and collaboratively working towards them without getting bogged down by past issues.

Origins and History of Solution-Focused Coaching

Veronika provides a historical backdrop, tracing solution-focused coaching to the work of Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kimberg in family therapy during the 1970s and 1980s.

Veronika Jungvirth [07:30]:
"Steve Deshazer and Insoo Kimberg were two therapists... they found out some clients were likely to give away the problem very quickly and go with the therapist into the better future... there were several attitudes and principles that helped getting rid of the problem and going into the world of searching for a solution."

This therapeutic lineage underscores the adaptability of solution-focused principles beyond individual therapy into team and organizational coaching.

Application in Agile Teams

The conversation delves into how solution-focused coaching can be seamlessly integrated into agile teams, contrasting it with traditional agile practices that often prioritize problem-solving.

Ralf Mierka [10:32]:
"We talk with those that want to stay more in the past... instead we immediately go into the future and try to find out and to be clear about what do we want to achieve and how can we get there from where we are at the moment."

By shifting the focus to desired outcomes, teams can navigate complexities more effectively, fostering alignment and shared vision.

Key Concepts: Not Knowing Position and Everyone is an Expert

Two foundational concepts of solution-focused coaching are explored: the "not knowing position" and the belief that "everyone is an expert in their situation."

Veronika Jungvirth [14:38]:
"The not knowing position reminds us that what the one guy is talking about is not the same story that I have in my mind... we should ask questions like, 'Tell me more about your goal,' instead of assuming we know the solution."

Ralf Mierka [23:12]:
"Everyone grows continuously anyway... to look in which pockets do I want to learn more... set according actions."

These principles advocate for humility and curiosity in coaching, empowering team members to take ownership of their challenges and solutions.

Practical Examples and Case Studies

Ralf shares compelling anecdotes illustrating the effectiveness of solution-focused coaching. In one instance, he describes transforming a team's skepticism about Scrum into enthusiasm by helping them envision a successful implementation.

Ralf Mierka [17:01]:
"The guy was opposing Scrum. How could he just describe the perfect Scrum team...? He was then suddenly beaming and happy... he became the grandmaster of the team."

Such stories highlight how focusing on solutions can unlock hidden potential and foster a more collaborative and motivated team environment.

The Miracle Question

A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the "miracle question," a technique pioneered by Insoo Kimberg to help clients envision their desired future.

Veronika Jungvirth [28:52]:
"Imagine we are working good together here... what would be a very small first sign that tells you that there must have been a miracle during the night."

Ralf provides a practical application of this concept in a team setting, demonstrating how it can inspire teams to achieve beyond their perceived limitations.

Ralf Mierka [31:04]:
"We spent half an hour building up on ideas... the rest of the team chipped in and convinced their architect that it is possible to show something at their fair."

The miracle question serves as a powerful tool to shift perspectives from constraints to possibilities.

Encouraging Scrum Masters to Embrace Solution-Focused Coaching

Veronika and Ralf offer guidance to Scrum Masters on adopting a solution-focused mindset, emphasizing the importance of fostering autonomy and ownership within teams.

Veronika Jungvirth [33:37]:
"Trust that everyone is expert in their own situation... practice your questioning skills... allow others to fix their problems themselves."

Ralf Mierka [34:33]:
"Decide when to fix and when to give room... support the organization to grow so that the agile coach can leave at some stage."

This approach not only accelerates the change process but also ensures that improvements are sustainable and driven by the team itself.

Practical Questions to Implement

Towards the end of the episode, Ralf and Veronika share actionable questions that listeners can incorporate into their standups or retrospectives to foster a solution-focused environment.

Veronika Jungvirth [37:56]:
"What do we want to achieve? What are we here for?"

Ralf Mierka [38:24]:
"What works already? What can we take on our journey?... On a scale of 0 to 10, how confident are you?"

These questions are designed to stimulate constructive dialogue and align the team towards common goals.

Resources and Further Information

Listeners interested in delving deeper into solution-focused coaching can explore the following resources:

• Book: Solution Focused Coaching for Agile Teams, a guide to collaborative leadership by Ralf Mierka and Veronika Jungvirth.
• Website: Sindvohl Minos Fuehren Ponkom (Note: Currently being redesigned)
• LinkedIn & Xing: Connect with Ralf and Veronika for more insights and networking opportunities.
• Conference: Solution Focused World Conference in Belgium.

Conclusion

This episode underscores the transformative potential of solution-focused coaching in agile settings. By prioritizing goals over problems and empowering team members as experts of their own experiences, Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches can drive meaningful and lasting improvements within their teams.

Notable Quotes:

• Veronika Jungvirth [02:47]:
  "We immediately go into the future and try to find out and to be clear about what do we want to achieve and how can we get there."

• Ralf Mierka [04:40]:
  "In a complex world, it's basically impossible to find all the causes and root causes... instead, we define what we want to have in the future."

• Veronika Jungvirth [14:38]:
  "The not knowing position reminds us that what the one guy is talking about is not the same story that I have in my mind."

• Ralf Mierka [17:01]:
  "He was then suddenly beaming and happy... he became the grandmaster of the team."

• Veronika Jungvirth [28:52]:
  "The miracle question needs people to go into the world of the miracle, into the world of better, into the world of having already reached the goal."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing actionable insights and practical examples for Agile practitioners eager to implement solution-focused coaching in their workflows.