Introduction to Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)

Lean-Agile Principles

The series you are reading currently is the Agile Introduction Series as part of the large set of Agile material.

This article Agile Introduction Series - Scaled Agile overview forms the second part of this series on Scaled Agile, focusing particularly on SAFe. The introductory page in this series is to be compiled but intended to be an overview of SAFe that you could gain by visiting Scaled Agile Framework. Continue reading below for a summary of fundamental principles and concepts from SAFe which are intrinsic to SAFe but also useful to be taken into account as part of a larger set of agile principles to guide you in your agile transformations.

The principles as captured and copyright on the Scaled Agile Framework is presented below with my own commentary.

Principles

SAFE contains and bases itself upon 10 principles

• 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, reduce batch sizes, and manage queue length

• Apply cadence; synchronize with cross-domain planning

• Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

• Decentralize decision-making

These principles are are part of the lean-agile leaders toolbox as described in SAFe.

I will expand on this article to review the principles briefly.

Summary

These principles are key and should be in any agile leaders mind when implementing SAFe and when working through the planning and day to day activities in delivery.