Book Image

SAFe® Coaches Handbook

By : Darren Wilmshurst, Lindy Quick
Book Image

SAFe® Coaches Handbook

By: Darren Wilmshurst, Lindy Quick

Overview of this book

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) is widely recognized as an eff ective methodology for implementing Agile practices at the Enterprise level. However, the complexity of SAFe® can make it challenging for Teams and organizations to determine which practices can be safely adapted to their unique needs. Although SAFe® is a framework rather than a set of rules, promoting adaptation, it’s crucial to understand why SAFe® practices are designed the way they are along with the consequences of modifying them. The SAFe® Coaches Handbook is a comprehensive resource that goes beyond a how-to guide, providing a deep understanding of SAFe® principles and practices. The chapters are designed in a way to teach you how to successfully implement SAFe® in your organization and eff ectively manage the Team’s Backlog while avoiding common pitfalls. You’ll discover optimal ways to create SAFe® Teams and run successful Events. You’ll also learn how to plan Agile Release Trains (ARTs), manage the ART Backlog, conduct PI Planning, and grasp the importance of Value Stream Identifi cation in driving value delivery. By the end of this book, you’ll be armed with practical tips and advice to help you successfully customize the Scaled Agile Framework to your Enterprise’s needs while preserving the aspects that make it work successfully.
Table of Contents (26 chapters)
Free Chapter
2
Part 1: Agile Teams
7
Part 2: Agile Release Trains
13
Part 3: Portfolio
20
Chapter 17: Embracing Agility and Nurturing Transformation
21
Glossary
Appendix A

Why your Train isn’t your department

One of the first mistakes many organizations make when standing up an ART is they align it with their existing organizational structure. After all, our organizations have evolved into a system that works. We have an organizational structure that we continually refine (reorganize) to make sure we are optimally aligned. However, have you stopped to consider the reason we seem to be in a constant state of re-org?

How should we build our ART?

Let’s start by defining what an ART is. An ART is a virtual organization of 5 to 12 long-lived Agile Teams that consist of 50 to 125 people working to deliver a common solution on cadence. Successful ARTs are aligned with a shared mission or vision.

Now that we know what an ART is, we need to determine whether we need one.

A common mistake that many organizations make is assuming that they “need” an ART, and they stand one up for every Project they undertake. The organization...