As we, as Leaders, consider undergoing an Agile Transformation, the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) advocates that it is important that Leaders embrace a new mindset. This mindset is rooted in Lean-Agile thinking and it is called the “Lean-Agile Mindset.” A mindset is nothing more than the combination of beliefs, assumptions, attitudes, and principles that we uphold as individuals. As we consider a SAFe-Agile Transformation, we will need to change and evolve how we think and act. As we do so, changing our mindset is a precursor before we change and evolve the culture of our respective company.
One artifact that SAFe advocates that embodies Lean Thinking is the “House of Lean.” The “House of Lean” is a metaphor for Lean Thinking.
At the roof of the “House of Lean,” per the picture below, is Value. Value is our goal. As we work and execute, we are trying to provide Value to our Customers and/or the respective Enterprise. We also see pillars of the “House of Lean.” These include: Respect for People and Culture; Flow; Innovation; and Relentless Improvement. Lastly, the base of the metaphorical “House of Lean” is Leadership.
SAFe advocates that in order to provide and achieve the best value-delivery, a company will need to respect the people that it employs. By doing so, SAFe advocates for a “generative culture” that allows for a company to achieve greater overall results. Moreover, a company will also need to allow for better product-development flow. This can be achieved by leveraging WIP limits and by reducing batch sizes to complement the greater flow of goods/products that we are producing. The need to create time for innovation is also important. By creating time for innovation, this allows for the infusion of creativity and this functions as a stimulus for innovation. Relentless improvement is also critical. Relentless improvement exists whereby we account for pain points that we have witnessed, and put forth action-items to address them that allow for improvement opportunities.
As we execute, there is also a need for Leadership. Leadership functions as the core foundational support. Leadership is the base of the “House of Lean” and without our Leaders, the possibility of greater value-delivery is not possible.
As SAFe advocates for Lean Thinking, SAFe also advocates that Leaders embrace Agile Thinking. Agile Thinking is embodied by the artifact the “Agile Manifesto.” The Agile Manifesto contains four (4) values that typify Agile thinking. These four values are shown below.
Only by upholding these values does SAFe imply that Leaders can internalize the Agile mindset that is needed as we undergo a SAFe-Agile transformation.
As we seek to grow as an organization, our Leaders will need to evolve and mature. Leaders must also function as change agents within the overall company. By modeling a mindset and a particular set of behaviors to implement SAFe, these leaders can typify Lean-Agile thinking and advocate for the infusion of a culture that is conducive to the SAFe-Agile transformation underway.
