Transparency
In continuation of the series on the many benefits of SAFe, we will be building on micro-post number 4; Transparency.
One of the principal tenets of Agile is transparency and it also happens to be one of SAFe’s Core Values. As usual, unlike other methodologies, SAFe does not pay lip service to Business Agility, rather, it has various practices and mechanisms that ensure visibility, open communication, and accessibility to relevant information at all levels of the organization. You would agree with me that solution/product development is complex. Oftentimes, things do not go according to plan. Without openness, facts are obscure, and decision-making is based on speculative assumptions and a lack of data. It is impossible to fix or improve upon a secret. To ensure transparency, trust is required. Trust exists when stakeholders can confidently rely on one another to act with integrity, particularly in times of difficulty. In the absence of trust, it is impossible to build high-performing teams and trains or build (or even rebuild) the confidence needed to make and meet reasonable commitments. Trust-based environments are also fun and motivating. Simply put, Agile as a whole, and more specifically, the new way of working promoted by SAFe will struggle to succeed without a culture of transparency and trust.
Some of the many ways SAFe serves to keep everything open and build trust are listed below:
SAFe Core Values:
SAFe promotes four core values: Alignment, Transparency, Respect for People, and Relentless Improvement. These values set the foundation for a culture that values openness and visibility in all aspects of the development process.
Agile Release Trains (ARTs):
ARTs are the primary organizational construct in SAFe, representing teams of Agile teams (usually 5-12 teams) that deliver value in a Value Stream. ARTs facilitate transparency through regular ceremonies, such as the PI (Planning Interval) event, where teams collectively plan and align their work.
Planning Interval Objectives:
During PI Planning, teams set specific PI objectives, which are visible to all stakeholders. These objectives provide a clear understanding of what the teams aim to achieve during the Planning Interval, fostering transparency regarding priorities and goals.
Art Planning Boards and Metrics:
Physical or virtual Planning Boards are often used to visualize work items, dependencies, and progress. Additionally, key metrics such as Velocity, Burn-Up charts, and ART Predictability Measure provide a transparent view of team and ART performance.
Inspect and Adapt (I&A) Workshops:
SAFe incorporates regular Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshops at the end of each Planning Interval cycle. These workshops provide an opportunity for teams and stakeholders to reflect on their performance, identify areas for improvement, and adapt their processes accordingly.
Release Planning and Roadmaps:
Release planning and Roadmaps provide a transparent view of upcoming Epics, Capabilities, Features, Milestones, and Release dates. This information helps all stakeholders understand the planned progress and expected outcomes.
Backlogs and Boards:
SAFe uses backlogs at all levels of the enterprise; Portfolio Backlog, Solution Backlog, ART Backlog. Stakeholders maintain visible backlogs, often using tools like physical or digital boards. These backlogs make it clear what work is in progress, what is upcoming, and what has been completed, promoting transparency into the status of work.
Team Sync:
Regular sync meetings at the team level, Team/Kanban Coach and PO sync meetings at the ART level facilitate frequent communication and keep all team members and stakeholders informed about progress, challenges, and impediments.
Lean-Agile Leadership Practices:
The leaders in SAFe are expected to lead by example and to foster a culture of openness and transparency. Leaders play a crucial role in promoting and modeling transparent communication and decision-making.
By integrating these practices and principles, SAFe has been designed to create a culture of transparency that extends from the individual teams to the entire organization. This transparency is essential for effective collaboration, risk management, and continuous improvement in large-scale Agile development.