FTE or Consultant?? Let me Coach!

Oh, the dilemma!

Agile Coach contemplating a new opportunity: "Should I go in as a consultant or an FTE (full-time employee)?

The decision around consulting versus being a full-time employee when it comes to coaching companies in Agile encompasses more than benefits, vacation, salary, etc.  It encompasses what you plan to accomplish, and how successful you want to be at reaching the goals.

In general, there are two coaching paths.

1. Coaching teams already using Agile techniques
2. Coaching a department or entire organization through the transformation to using Agile techniques

If you're about to coach teams already using Agile, choose whatever suits you; FTE or Consultant will work.

However, if you're getting an organization up to speed on adopting, and eventually transforming to Agile, then there are a few things to consider.

Why Consulting Works for an Agile Transformation Coach (or any position that requires an organizational change)

No More Politics Please                                                

As someone who has to influence everyone from the teams to upper management, it is important not to have to report to one department.  We all know how politics play out in a matrix organization.  Some departments don't like other departments, one manager wants something different than the other.  At some companies I have consulted with, I saw full-time employees trying to undermine other employees so  that they can get promoted.

Being a consultant means you don't have to play the company politics.  You're able to stand back and watch, so bring some popcorn and a large cherry coke.

Objectivity                                                                        

If you're an FTE assigned under one manager, that person determines your salary and bonuses.  That tells me that you're going to be biased toward what that person wants.

It is important to set expectations up front, especially to the person who is paying you from their department budget.  It is vital to your livelihood as a Coach to reiterate that you are working for everyone involved in the transformation and that you are an objective party no matter what. If you feel that the company is not for that, don't take the job.

Being a consultant means you answer to the entire organization.

Freedom and Focus                                                             

By freedom, I mean freedom to do your job.  As a consultant, you're brought in for one purpose and you should be given the freedom to accomplish that purpose.  As an Agile Transformation Coach, you want to focus on the transformation, not other tasks that are outside that realm.
As an FTE, there are times when you will be asked to take on something else.  Although, this benefits the organization in the short term, the long term effects of not being able to focus on the transformation will hurt the company as your time is taken away


Being a consultant means you get to focus on the goals that were set forth when you were hired.

Trust                                                                                        

One vital component to bringing about change (and Agile Adoptions & Transformations are all about change) is that people have to trust you.  This means that every point I mentioned above has to be true.  The organization has to believe that you aren't playing company politics, that you are objective, and that you are focused on the transformation of mindsets and practices.
Your goal and purpose is to make this company succeed through the practices you teach and live by.  Your goal is not to sell a tool, not to progress in the company, not to make yourself look good. You are to transform an organization so that they are delivering high quality, valuable products that are within a reasonable range of the schedule, scope, and budget constraints.

Being a consultant means that people can trust you to get the job done and see the change through so that it sticks.

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After the transformation, taking an FTE position or staying a Consultant is up to you.  If you think you've achieved all of the above, and that being an FTE won't change anything because you've set your ground, go ahead.  There are times when being an FTE will work.  My take is, in the beginning especially, it is important to stay away from politics, be objective, have the freedom to focus, and be trusted.  This happens best as a Consultant.

What do you think?  Do you think that when transforming an organization, being an FTE is better?  If so, let me know. I'd love to hear your feedback and experiences.