If you have just heard about SAFe, you probably have heard about some good case studies that illustrate the positive results of adopting SAFe in the organization. You’ve witnessed the way it produces high-quality products at a rapid pace. You’re familiar with all the concepts, like Scrum and Kanban. And now you’re thinking even bigger. How can you get lots of teams, or even an entire business, to work with Agile? If this is you, you’re ready to turn into a SAFe Agilist. And you’re in the right place to find out how!
This isn’t about getting a new certificate (although that’s a nice bonus!). It’s about becoming a leader. A leader who can facilitate big companies to use Agile in the right way. It’s about ensuring everyone collaborates on the most critical tasks and achieves amazing results.
So, let’s discuss how you can do this and facilitate real change.
Where You Might Be Starting From
First, what type of experience gets you started? Individuals interested in becoming SAFe Agilists generally possess the following:
- Fundamentals of Agile: You learn the key concepts of Agile. Terms such as “PI Planning,” “Inspect and adapt,” and “Value delivery” might resonate with you.
- Real Agile Team Experience: You’ve probably worked on an Agile team. Perhaps as a Scrum Master, Product Owner, or team member. You’ve been through sprint meetings and assisted in planning work.
- Used Agile Tools: You’re probably familiar with tools such as Jira, Trello, or similar ones that assist Agile teams.
- Want to See the Big Picture: You’ve caught on that it gets hard when lots of Agile teams must collaborate. Perhaps you’ve experienced delays or teams not aligned on the same objectives.
- Good at Talking and Working with Others: Agile requires effective communication. As you learn SAFe, these are extremely valuable skills for communicating with teams, managers, and other important stakeholders.
- Like to Solve Problems: You like to solve difficult problems and want to get things to work better.
If you’re agreeing with all these points, that’s wonderful! Your Agile understanding is a solid foundation to learn SAFe.
What You Really Need to Know: The Key Components of SAFe
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) may look overwhelming at first. But it’s actually a clear method to apply Agile concepts in large enterprises. Here are some key points to know:
- Lean-Agile Concepts: SAFe is founded on ten core concepts. They assist everyone in making better decisions. Consider “Use money well,” “Visualize the entire system,” and “Enable people to do their best work.”
- Various SAFe Configurations: SAFe is not one size fits all. There are multiple configurations for multiple company sizes and requirements. It is important to know which configuration to implement.
- Agile Release Trains (ARTs): This is a big part of SAFe. An ART is like a team of Agile teams (usually 50-125 people). They plan, build, and release things together for a long time. You’ll learn how to start and help these ARTs.
- PI Planning: This is a highly critical meeting in SAFe. It’s typically a two-day session where all the teams of an ART plan work collaboratively for the subsequent 8-12 weeks. One must learn how to conduct and participate in PI Planning.
- Key SAFe Roles: SAFe introduces new roles such as Release Train Engineer (RTE), Product Management, and Business Owners. You will have to understand what they do and how they collaborate.
- Smart Ways to Manage Big Projects (Lean Portfolio Management): SAFe enables organizations to align their big plans with the work actually being done. This ensures teams are delivering on what is most important.
- Fast and Reliable Delivery (Continuous Delivery & DevOps): SAFe emphasizes being capable of releasing new stuff frequently and consistently. That requires an effective system and a DevOps culture of working.
This may seem like a lot, but your Agile knowledge will speed up learning it!
Your Easy Plan: From Fan to SAFe Pro – Step-by-Step
Ready to begin? Here’s your simple plan:
Step 1: Refresh Your Agile Fundamentals (If You Must)
- Review Agile Values Again: Ensure that you keep the central Agile concepts fresh.
- Learn More About Scrum and Kanban: Familiarize yourself with the other one if you know one. It is helpful to learn about various modes of working for teams.
Action: Re-read some good Agile books or articles. Perhaps enroll in a refresher course if it has been a long time.
Step 2: Jump into SAFe – Time to Learn!
- Head to the Source: The SAFe site (scaledagileframework.com). This is your go-to source. There is plenty of free information. Check out the various configurations, roles, and events.
- Read About It: There are decent books on SAFe. Find ones recommended by SAFe or respected coaches.
- Watch Videos: SAFe and other coaches usually have useful videos available.
- Speak to SAFe Individuals: Identify individuals on LinkedIn who are SAFe Agilists. Ask them for advice.
Action: Spend time each week learning about SAFe. Take notes. Attempt to link SAFe concepts to what you already have in your head.
Step 3: Take a Course – The “Leading SAFe®” Course
Why It’s Important: You can find a lot of information yourself, but the official “Leading SAFe(R)” course is really beneficial. It’s a two-day course that instructs you on everything about SAFe and how to lead Agile transformations.
What You’ll Get:
- Take classes with certified SAFe instructors.
- Do exercises and practice.
- Ask questions and discuss with other participants.
- Prepare for the SAFe Agilist (SA) exam.
Action:
- Get a good online Leading SAFe® training.
- Seek good instructors.
- Budget for the course fee.
Step 4: Pass the SAFe® Agilist (SA) Exam
- Study Hard: The test verifies whether you know SAFe from the course.
- Use Study Helps: Your class notes, SAFe website, and sample tests will be very helpful.
- Do Practice Tests: SAFe provides you with a practice test following the class. You can also search for others. They will get you accustomed to the questions.
- Think the “SAFe Way”: The test will quiz you on how to apply SAFe concepts in various scenarios.
Action: Once your class is done, set some time aside to study. Do practice tests. Attempt the test shortly after the class when the information is fresh in your head.
Step 5: Apply What You’ve Learned – Begin Leading Change
- Find Opportunities: Seek opportunities to apply SAFe concepts in your workplace. Can you facilitate teams collaborating better? Can you speak about clarifying plans?
- Join SAFe Initiatives: If your organization is implementing SAFe, volunteer to assist!
- Teach Others What You Know: Educate other Agile enthusiasts. Inform your colleagues about SAFe.
- Be a SAFe Champion: Spread Agile and SAFe concepts wherever you can.
Action: Attempt to apply what you’ve learned. Every little bit counts.
Step 6: Continue Learning – SAFe Continues to Evolve
- Stay Current: SAFe evolves with time. Look at the SAFe website for updated information.
- Consider More Learning: Someday, you may need to earn other SAFe certifications if you wish to teach or become an expert.
- Join the SAFe Community: Attend SAFe meetings and events, or become part of online communities. Learn from others.
Action: Continuously keep learning. Keep track of SAFe news and experts.
Leading Change: It’s More Than Just Rules
It is a significant step to becoming a SAFe Agilist. It equips you with the means to enable businesses to thrive in an age of rapid change. Don’t forget, though, that SAFe provides ideas and a framework, not hard-and-fast regulations. The secret is to grasp the concepts well and apply them intelligently to your business.
From an Agile enthusiast to a SAFe Agilist, it is about learning, leading, and making a positive impact. It’s about enabling entire companies to be better and faster. It won’t always be easy, but to get to see companies really transform for the better is a wonderful reward.
So go ahead, read this guide, and get prepared to lead the change! Good luck!
