If you think SAFe practises could benefit your company, have a look at these six tips for a successful Agile Transformation with SAFe.
Good Read: Transitioning to Scaled Agile Frameworks – The challenge that large organizations face
SAFe’s dedication to Lean-Agile concepts enables businesses to develop and prosper while delivering results. If done properly, it can help your customers, staff, and bottom line.
6 steps to a successful agile transformation with SAFe
A SAFe change isn’t necessarily a short-term sanity saver. While SAFe has many advantages, there are a few things you should know before implementing it.
- When deploying SAFe, be agile.
- Is SAFe mandatory?
- Recognize that change is difficult.
- Explain the SAFe transition.
- Show the way
- Expect to err (and learn from them)
When deploying SAFe, be agile.
SAFe transition does not mandate Agile. Just that your company should already reflect Lean-Agile values before implementing SAFe.
- How well does your company use the Agile Framework?
- Do you use DevOps?
- Which measures are linked to team success?
- Are your staff connected?
You may be interested in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).
It takes time for Agile Transformation with SAFe. It is about how people approach their personal and teamwork. Before implementing Lean-Agile across your entire organisation, make sure your teams are familiar with the basics.
These Lean-Agile principles may benefit your teams:
- working incrementally rather than following a Waterfall plan
- the organization’s guiding motives
- fosters self-management by teams
Next, gauge your Lean-Agile maturity. Ask your staff how agile they think their teams are. Know your level of preparation to implement an agile transformation using SAFe.
Is SAFe mandatory?
SAFe implementation is a big commitment, therefore don’t rush into it. Do you require SAFe after assessing your company’s Agile maturity?
Agile Transformation with SAFe is not small. Agile isn’t a fad, and Lean-Agile ideas don’t apply to all teams.
Next, consider how SAFe will impact your firm. Will the time, money, and mental commitments be worth it?
You should first define the problems you’re trying to tackle using Agile Transformation with SAFe, then identify the SAFe components that can help your organisation. Maybe SAFe isn’t for you.
Recognize that change is difficult.
Accept that change is difficult for people and that my workers are human. I expect pushback, complaints, and sometimes negative feedback. I expect potholes and mistakes. It will instruct me and help me progress.
Now copy this to your clipboard and use it whenever you’re having a bad day. You’ll have difficult days.
SAFe reorganisations are hard. People’s habits are hard to break. There will be those people who are against the changes you make.
SAFe adoption is in everyone’s best interest, but it will be difficult. But it will be worth it.
Change is slow. Change the work environment. Their system can be improved.
Now relax. Recall why you want your firm to adopt SAFe. Expect disruption as a result of major changes.
Explain the SAFe transition.
You can help your industrious staff overcome issues and difficulties in the SAFe transformation process by offering context.
When you alter long-established work practises, your staff are prone to react defensively.
Providing context for major changes is usually appreciated. It may also assist you avoid receiving complaints.
Next, be Agile in your communication with your staff. Call a company-wide meeting to discuss the matter. Explain why you think SAFe is the best solution for your company. Inform individuals that you and your Lean-Agile change agents are open to criticism.
Show the way
In any case, your company’s executives must drive major internal transformation. Instead, expect a week of outside agency seminars and SAFe ideas.
Answer questions and address concerns as you exhibit your agile transformation in thought and behaviour.
Changing habits is challenging. As an agile transformation SAFe leader, you must “push through that discomfort.”
Next, prepare your change leaders for success from the start. Collect resources to help create SAFe best practises. Regardless of your method, you may need to recruit outside advisors to help your company evolve.
In love and battle, know when to hold and when to fold.
Expect to err (and learn from them)
This may be tricky. You shouldn’t take this transformation for granted.
It’s inevitable to run into inefficient processes and practises. People despise you. Every week, you almost certainly will face a major issue.
It’s OK not to get it right the first time. Long-term success comes from learning from failures and changing course. SAFe should be modified to fit your organisation, not the other way around.
Step 2: Promote workplace transparency and honesty from the start. Everyone is discovering the best ways to implement SAFe in your organisation, including you. Allow team members to address questions or express concerns. Make coworkers aware of their struggles and ask for feedback, ideas, or just a sympathetic ear.
Not alone in SAFe evolution!
SAFe agile transformation training resources and tools are available. Long term, investing in your own and your organization’s people and tools will aid you.
Good Read – Scaled Agile Organisations-The responsibilities of First Line Managers in it;
