Foundation of SAFe

Isaiah
Mar 22, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Apr 16, 2023

Scaled Agile Framework - Drilled in

Introduction

Over several articles I will be breaking down the above image found here. I will not simply reword the very detailed content found on the SAFe site but rather explain from the perspective of a practitioner, SME, SPC, and Leader in Agile Transformations. Through this explanation I hope to reinforce the content on the SAFe site and provide a more thorough understanding of the topics found on the image. Today we start at the very bottom - Lean-Agile Leadership.

What is Lean Agile Leadership?

Lean Agile Leadership is the guidance, direction, and support of leadership in SAFe. This is the embodiment of the Core Values, the Principles, and the Lean-Agile mindset. With a deep understanding of SAFe and these concepts, you can lead in a way that enables teams through autonomy and an action oriented mindset.

Why is it important?

Without Lean Agile Leadership it is impossible for an organization to be SAFe or even Agile. Often I find organizations want to hire coaches to make the teams Agile but they themselves do not want to change. This is an antipattern for any change to take place. Imagine deciding you will go on a diet but your mind, leader of your body, doesn’t really want to change. This would be impossible. For the Leaders of organizations are in a sense, the mind. They are the thought, the strategy, the vision, and the direction. Without these people on board and guiding the ship, you will go nowhere.

Who can be a Lean Agile Leader?

I often get asked this question and I have two answers. In SAFe you will see the content speaks directly to Managers and above in an organization. However, I believe we all need to understand the Core Values, Principles, and Mindset as we all lead in our actions. For what the English said all the way back in the 1300’s is true, “A rotten apple quickly infects its neighbor.”

How do I become a Lean Agile Leader?

Through the embodiment of the qualities listed on the SAFe site you can begin to understand what it means to be a Lean Agile Leader. However, if you want to take a class you can sign up for one with me, here.

Conclusion

Without Leaders truly leading the changes they want to see in their organization there will be no change. This means they embody the qualities, they understand the concepts, they provide and encourage autonomy, and they ensure to follow the Implementation Roadmap.