Talk:Paths of Service

Investigation on Paths of Service terminology initiated by Admin
investigate alternative terminology for all the OpenAgile paths of service (currently labeled: "Process Facilitation", "Growth Facilitation", "Mentoring", "Tutoring" and "Catalyst'). The goal of this investigation would be to come up with a pros/cons/interesting chart for each variant of the possible terminology to help our community close the loop on this.  In other words: what are the alternatives to each of the labels for each of the paths of service, and why might we choose one label over another?

Some of the things that need to be kept in mind are that the terms suggested and used should:
 * reflect the concept of "paths of service" not roles/titles
 * be descriptive and generic (i.e. non-branded, non-technical, understandable outside of technology)
 * consistent with other terminology in OpenAgile

Discussion initiated by JoshW
The OpenAgile community chose to use the term "Path of Service" rather than using Titles or Roles in order to emphasize the dynamic nature of service:
 * 1) Different people lead when walking together on a path during different parts of the journey, depending on their particular skills, energy, and how well they know the local terrain (this is also how a flock of geese form their efficient V-formation: see Bioteams)
 * 2) Service brings to mind Servant Leadership

Team Member is the only formal role in OpenAgile. Paths of Service are dynamic rather than static roles or job titles.

So, if someone asks: what's your Role on the OpenAgile team, the proper response is not "I own the product", or "I'm the product owner" or "Product Marketing Manager", the proper response is "I'm a Team Member. This Cycle I'm serving by doing Growth Facilitation because the team decided I know the most about XYZ and wanted me to help them learn how to prioritize Value Drivers around XYZ, but next Cycle that may change because we will be working on EQUJ, and other members of the team know more about that topic than I do." The proper response is not I'm the "Project Manager" or "Task Master" or "ScrumMaster", but "I'm a Team Member. This Cycle I'm serving by doing Process Facilitation because I currently have the most experience with OpenAgile, but after a few cycles, when the team seems ready, I'd like to have other members of the team volunteer to serve in this capacity so that eventually everyone on the team will gain news skills and insights through service, and at some point we can have the Team itself choose who will serve as the Process Facilitator at the beginning of each new Cycle.

On the other hand, someone with Product or Project Management skills could contribute a great deal to the team, in a variety of ways, including facilitation.