Apr 09 2025 39 mins 5
What separates a mediocre Agile coach from a truly exceptional one? The answer might surprise you. When Kamal Kalra posed the question "Can anyone be an Agile coach?" at an Agile open space, he challenged the conventional wisdom that knowledge alone qualifies someone for the role.
Kamal brings a refreshingly human-centered approach to Agile coaching. His journey began when a mentor recognized his natural tendency to prioritize understanding people over processes. Rather than immediately focusing on performance issues, Kamal's instinct was always to connect with the human first—a philosophy that would become the cornerstone of his coaching style.
The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Kamal shares his "apple-orange" analogy, illuminating how organizations often fundamentally misunderstand Agile from the beginning. When companies have been handed "apples" but told they're "oranges," they develop an entirely distorted understanding of what Agile truly means. This misalignment explains why so many organizations struggle to implement Agile effectively despite their best intentions.
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway is Kamal's personal "80-20 rule"—dedicating 80% of energy to addressing immediate problems while reserving 20% for examining and improving the underlying systems. This approach reflects the racing principle that "slow is accurate and accurate becomes fast," a counter-intuitive but powerful strategy for sustainable improvement.
What truly elevates this discussion is Kamal's assertion that Agile isn't just a methodology or even a professional skill—it's a way of life that extends into personal relationships, home environments, and every aspect of existence.
Connect with Kamal on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/kamalkalra-agilist
Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
