Agile coaches often navigate complex organisational landscapes shaped by shifting priorities, diverse cultural backgrounds, and varying degrees of stakeholder influence. In such environments, subtle psychological games can emerge—covert interactions derailing collaboration, eroding trust, and undermining the Agile spirit of transparency and continuous improvement.

This session introduces a practical framework inspired by Transactional Analysis (TA) and the concept of the three-cornered contract to help Agile coaches identify and address games before they become systemic roadblocks. By examining the psychological distance between the “three parties”—the coach, the team, and the sponsors—participants will learn to detect the telltale signs of misaligned expectations, hidden agendas, and unspoken anxieties that fuel counterproductive behaviours.

Through real-world examples of the speaker’s experience, this talk will equip Agile coaches with the diagnostic tools and corrective measures needed to create a solid foundation for their coaching assignments. By proactively dismantling games, coaches can foster greater trust, resilience, and collaboration within their teams and across the organisation.