A. By mastering the Seven Core Competencies of the Lean Enterprise
B. By modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile Mindset, values, principles, and practices
C. By applying empathic design and focusing on Customer Centricity
D. By using the SAFe Implementation Roadmap to script the way for change
The Correct Answer is
B. By modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile Mindset, values, principles, and practices
Explanation
One way Lean-Agile leaders lead by example is by modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile Mindset, values, principles, and practices. This approach involves embodying the core aspects of the Lean-Agile transformation within their behaviors and decisions, thus serving as a tangible example for others within the organization to follow. By demonstrating commitment to these values and principles in their daily actions, leaders foster a culture that encourages collaboration, resilience, continuous learning, and a relentless focus on delivering value to customers.
Leading by example through modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile Mindset, values, principles, and practices is a foundational aspect of Lean-Agile leadership. This approach is critical for the successful adoption and sustainable practice of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) within an organization. Let’s explore the depth of what it means for Lean-Agile leaders to lead by example in this context:
1. Embodying the Lean-Agile Mindset
- Growth Mindset: Leaders adopt and demonstrate a growth mindset, which is essential for continuous learning and improvement. They show openness to new ideas, willingness to experiment, and resilience in the face of setbacks.
- Lean Thinking: They practice Lean thinking by seeking to deliver value efficiently, minimizing waste, and optimizing processes. This involves a focus on value streams and understanding how value flows to the customer.
2. Living the SAFe Values
SAFe articulates four core values: Alignment, Built-in Quality, Transparency, and Program Execution. Leaders lead by example:
- Alignment: Ensuring that strategies, actions, and objectives are aligned across the organization. They communicate clearly and ensure that teams understand how their work contributes to the larger goals.
- Built-in Quality: Demonstrating a commitment to quality in every aspect of work. This means advocating for practices like Test-Driven Development (TDD), Continuous Integration (CI), and Pair Programming.
- Transparency: Being open about successes and failures alike. This creates an environment where learning is valued over blaming, and decisions are made based on accurate information.
- Program Execution: Showing a relentless focus on delivering value. Leaders participate in and support the Agile Release Train (ART) to ensure successful Program Increments (PIs).
3. Adhering to SAFe Principles
SAFe’s principles guide the application of Lean-Agile practices at scale. Leaders exemplify these principles, such as:
- Take an economic view: Making decisions with a consideration of the economic impact, optimizing for the whole system and not just parts of it.
- Apply systems thinking: Understanding and optimizing the entire system (the organization) rather than optimizing individual components in isolation.
- Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers: Creating environments that foster autonomy, mastery, and purpose.
- Decentralize decision-making: Empowering teams to make decisions, which speeds up delivery and leverages the collective intelligence of the workforce.
4. Demonstrating SAFe Practices
Practical demonstration of SAFe practices is essential. This includes:
- Participating in PI Planning: Engaging in the planning process, supporting teams in their planning efforts, and helping to resolve impediments.
- Supporting Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshops: Actively participating in the I&A workshops to help identify improvements and drive change.
- Encouraging and participating in communities of practice (CoPs): Promoting continuous learning and sharing of best practices across the organization.
Conclusion
For Lean-Agile leaders, leading by example is not just about endorsing a set of ideas; it’s about embodying the Lean-Agile Mindset and SAFe principles in every action and decision. This approach not only fosters a culture conducive to Lean-Agile adoption but also accelerates the transformation process by inspiring trust, promoting engagement, and facilitating a deeper understanding of Lean-Agile values and principles across the organization. Through their actions, Lean-Agile leaders catalyze change and drive the organization toward achieving its ultimate goals of delivering value more effectively and efficiently.
