In order to ensure effective utilisation of SAFe, I think it is worthwhile to remember that SAFe is built on Lean and Agile ways of working, and the principles that govern SAFe surround relentless and continuous improvement. As businesses grow in size, SAFe provides a structured approach for scaling Agile, and in providing this structure, it is also equally important that team members and the organisation as a whole are able to stay on top of things and remain adaptable as they continue to grow and integrate with the continual changes of the market environment.
For example, one of the core values in SAFe surrounds built-in-quality. This means that at all times, SAFe requires teams to be aligned on what ‘done’ means to them and to implement quality development practices into each working agreement and Increment. Over time it is only natural that challenges and changes will arise as teams develop, integrate and respond to the evolving needs of the business environment. What is important however is that teams and the organisation are able to maintain the principles and values of SAFe, and ensure that they are continually moving forward and not backwards.
So how do we implement this? Well firstly a lot of the value of SAFe comes from Iterations, where we are typically inspecting the product, either through the Sprint or Iteration Review. Next we have the Iteration Retrospective, where we look at how we are working and inspect the product in relation to that. From there, we remain steadfast on improving our product with the use of our framework.
We also have the Innovation and Planning Iteration, which is within each Pi Program Increment. This Iteration stage is dedicated to innovation and planning, such as the development of new products or looking at innovative ways of working.
Another way that we can sustain and maintain SAFe improvement is through Iteration Workshops whereby we look at systematic and system-wide issues that are slowing us down. In other words rather than having a narrow and limited focus, we look at issues from a holistic perspective. Meaning that we look closely at the potential causes for the delays, its sources, and the overall dissatisfaction across that Value Stream and customer journey.
Ultimately, the goal is to keep on improving because the need for improvements will never stop. All we are doing is moving from one area to the other area. As the world around us evolves, so must we evolve with it.
So the answer to how we can sustain and improve SAFe?
🚀 Complete devotion to continuous discovery and learning
Interested to learn more about how you can sustain and improve SAFe within your organisation?
At Value Glide, through the application of SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), we are able to offer agile consulting, agile coaching, and agile training specialists who work with organisations to align business objectives with customer needs and wants.
As deeply experienced agile coaches and practitioners, our team is invested in continuous learning through each client engagement and uses the data and evidence we gather from each implementation to inform our training, coaching, and consulting services.
In a nutshell, empirical process control or empiricism.
If you are thinking of adopting agile within your organisation and have identified SAFe as a great agile framework to adopt, implement and improve your business agility, visit our SAFe Quickstart ART Launch program page or view our SAFe Consulting Services page.
If you have identified a need for an agile coach and SAFe coach to help your organisation adopt and implement SAFe, visit our SAFe Coaching Services page. We are committed to equipping organisations with the tools and knowledge to thrive in this ever-changing digital age, and achieve business agility through the Scaled Agile Framework.
Sounds good to you? Then sign-up today, and learn more about this transformation and revolutionary framework that is changing the game in the world of Agile. It is truly remarkable what can be done when we put our heads together and decide to work as one.
If you want to know more about SAFe and how to lead SAFe, visit our SAFE Training page for a host of options, from Leading SAFe to a SAFe Release Train Engineer course.
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