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Role of Lean-Agile Leaders in Scaled Agile Framework

Updated: May 16, 2023

What is Lean?

Lean is a concept that was developed to minimize wastage and optimize efficiency in the software development process. In addition, it is a set of practices that helps to eradicate unwanted activities and waste to increase effectiveness. Furthermore, Lean software development has its root in lean manufacturing principles, but now it has become an integral part of Agile Methodology. Additionally, Lean-Agile leaders are well qualified professionals who are responsible for successful adoption of SAFe principles to deliver good quality products. Lean has seven principles or values-

  • Eliminating waste or unwanted activities

  • Amplifying learning

  • Making delayed but sure decisions

  • Fast delivery

  • Empowering the team

  • Building integrity

  • Optimizing the whole system

What is Agile?

Agile is an approach to the complex procedures of software development and project management that encourages continuous delivery of working software in small increments. Additionally, this methodology focuses on increasing efficiency of the team and process. Moreover, this methodology is very iterative and flexible in nature, that focuses on customer satisfaction through delivery of good quality products. Furthermore, it is based on 12 core principles that were conceptualised in the Agile Manifesto.

The Agile principles are-

  • Customer satisfaction by early and continuous delivery

  • Welcoming change throughout the process

  • Frequent delivery of working software

  • Close co-operation between the business team and developers

  • Trust motivated individuals to build projects

  • Clear communication

  • Primary measure of progress is working software

  • Maintaining a constant pace i.e. sustainable development

  • Keeping a continuous check on technical excellence and good design

  • Simplicity is essential

  • Self-organizing teams bring out the best architectures, requirements and designs

  • Regularly, the team reflects on how o become more effective, and adjusts accordingly

What is Scaled Agile Framework?

Scaled Agile Framework is a set of patterns and practices that helps enterprises to scale Lean Agile values. Moreover, it encounters the problems faced during scaling Agile beyond a single team. Additionally, it is developed by leveraging systems thinking, lean product development and agile software development. Furthermore, SAFe promotes collaboration, alignment and rapid delivery across large numbers of agile teams.


Levels of SAFe

The latest version of SAFe consists of four levels-

  • Team

  • Program

  • Large Solution

  • Portfolio

What is Lean-Agile?

The Lean-Agile Mindset is a combination of concepts, beliefs, and practices of Lean Thinking and the Agile Manifesto. As such, Lean-Agile is adopted by the practitioners of SAFe to minimize waste and maximize value. Additionally, it aims at customer satisfaction through eliminating the unwanted activities in the process. Moreover, Agile practices help to improve the quality of the product, while Lean helps to improve the process. Altogether, it promotes adaptation, collaboration, revision and eradication of waste in uncertain environments.


Lean-Agile Principles

Lean Agile mindset adapts an approach where the process is divided into phases. There are 10 principles that help in effective management of production processes-

  • Take an economic view

  • Apply systems thinking

  • Assume variability; preserve options

  • Build incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles

  • Base milestones on an objective evaluation of working systems

  • Visualize and limit WIP

  • Apply Cadence

  • Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

  • Decentralize decision-making

  • Organize around value

Lean-Agile Leaders

Lean Agile leaders are well qualified professionals who are responsible for successful adoption of SAFe principles to deliver good quality products. Certainly, They not only execute but also coach the team members for efficient results. Furthermore, The leaders promote honesty, integrity and transparency among the teams. There are 3 dimensions of Lean Agile Leadership-

  • Leading by presenting examples

  • Applying Mindset and Principles

  • Leading any change required


Conclusion

Lean Agile leaders play a vital role in implementing SAFe in the organizations efficiently. Unquestionably, They have their set of roles and responsibilities to complete the work efficiently. Similarly, There are many courses available to enhance the skills for a leadership position. Acekube is a digital platform that provides a variety of courses that can help you to build or boost your career in the field.


FAQs


1. What are the strengths of using Scaled Agile Framework?

Scaled Agile Framework is one of the most popular scaling frameworks because of its strengths-

  • It allows alignment of all the aspects of the project rather than focusing on just one.

  • Documentation and communication of all the steps involved in the process maintains transparency in the organization.

  • It helps in collaboration of cross-functional teams efficiently.

2. Which are the most beneficial SAFe Courses?

There are many SAFe courses available on different platforms that can help you get a desired position in an organization or enhance skills to handle tasks properly. Specifically, The courses are-

3. What are the skills that Agile leaders should own?

The skills that Agile leaders should have are-

  • Flexibility

  • Humility

  • Communication skills

  • Ability to guide

  • Collaboration skills

  • Understanding of their team

  • Thorough knowledge of Agile

  • Decision-making

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