Ten SAFe Principles Explained

Implementing SAFe effectively helps improve overall organizational business agility and productivity so that the organizations can focus on customer centricity. However, successful implementation of SAFe lies in the 10 principles of SAFe. This article helps to understand the 10 principles of SAFe.  

1. Take economic view

 This principle “Take an economic view” is about making decisions based on economic considerations to ensure the best outcomes for the organization. Here’s an easy way to explain it:

What It Means:

1. Value Over Cost: Focus on delivering maximum value to customers rather than just minimizing costs.
2. Decision-Making: Make decisions by considering their economic impact, including costs, benefits, and risks.
3. Optimization: Optimize for the whole system (not just individual parts) to achieve the best overall economic outcomes.

Key Points:

• Prioritize by Value: Always prioritize work that delivers the highest value to the customer and the business.
• Understand Trade-offs: Recognize the trade-offs between different options, such as speed versus cost or quality versus scope.
• Economic Frameworks: Use economic frameworks and metrics (like cost of delay, ROI, etc.) to guide decision-making.

Example:

Imagine you’re deciding whether to invest in a new feature for a product. Taking an economic view means you would:

• Estimate how much value this feature will bring to customers and the business.
• Compare that value against the costs of development and potential risks.
• Consider the timing – if delaying the feature would result in losing market opportunities or customer satisfaction, factor in the cost of delay.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like planning a family vacation. You don’t just look for the cheapest option. You consider:

• The enjoyment and experiences (value) each option will bring.
• The total cost of each vacation.
• The best timing for the trip (taking into account work schedules, weather, etc.).

By considering all these economic factors, you choose the vacation that provides the best overall experience for the cost.

Summary:

“Take an economic view” in SAFe means making decisions that maximize value and optimize costs, always aiming for the best economic outcomes for the whole organization.

2. Apply Systems thinking

 What It Means:

Systems thinking is about understanding the big picture and seeing how different parts of a system interact and influence each other. In the context of SAFe, it means considering the entire organization and its workflows as a whole rather than focusing on individual parts in isolation.

Key Points:

1. Holistic View: Look at the entire system (organization, product, or process) rather than just individual components.
2. Interdependencies: Recognize how different parts of the system are connected and how changes in one area can impact others.
3. Optimize for the Whole: Make decisions that optimize the performance and outcomes of the entire system, not just one part.

Example:

Imagine you’re building a car. Systems thinking means you don’t just focus on making the best engine, the best tires, or the best seats separately. Instead, you consider how all these parts work together to create the best overall car. A great engine is useless if the tires can’t handle the speed, and comfortable seats are pointless if the car can’t start.

Simple Analogy:

Think of a sports team. If each player only focuses on their individual performance without considering the team strategy, they might not win games. However, if everyone understands their role and how it fits into the team’s strategy, the team as a whole performs better. For instance:

• A basketball team where players pass the ball and play as a unit rather than focusing on individual scoring.

Summary:

“Apply Systems Thinking” in SAFe means looking at the entire system and understanding how different parts interact and affect each other. It’s about optimizing the whole system for better performance and outcomes, rather than focusing on individual components in isolation. 

3. Assume variability, preserve options

 What It Means:

This principle is about acknowledging that uncertainty and changes are a natural part of development and planning. Instead of committing to a single solution early on, it encourages keeping multiple options open and being flexible to adapt as new information becomes available.

Key Points:

1. Embrace Uncertainty: Understand that not all information is available at the start, and things may change as you progress.
2. Keep Options Open: Don’t lock into a single solution too early. Explore different possibilities and keep alternative options open.
3. Flexibility in Planning: Be ready to adapt your plans as you gather more information and as circumstances change.

Example:

Imagine you’re designing a new product. At the beginning, you have several ideas on how to achieve your goals but don’t have all the data to know which is best. Instead of choosing one idea and discarding the rest, you explore multiple approaches. As you learn more through testing and feedback, you gradually narrow down to the best solution.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like planning a road trip. Instead of deciding on one route before you leave, you might consider a few different routes. Along the way, you check traffic conditions and weather updates. This flexibility allows you to choose the best path based on the most current information. For instance:

• If a road is closed due to construction, you have alternative routes ready to avoid delays.

Summary:

“Assume Variability; Preserve Options” in SAFe means recognizing that things can change and uncertainty is part of the process. It encourages keeping multiple options open and being flexible to adapt as new information comes in. This approach helps in making better decisions and achieving optimal outcomes by not committing too early to a single course of action. 

4. Build incrementally with fast integrated learning cycles

The fourth SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) principle is “Build Incrementally with Fast, Integrated Learning Cycles.” Here’s an easy way to explain it:

What It Means:

This principle emphasizes developing and delivering work in small, manageable pieces while continuously learning and improving from each cycle. The goal is to reduce risk, improve quality, and adapt quickly to changes.

Key Points:

1. Small Increments: Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be completed and delivered incrementally.
2. Fast Feedback: Get feedback quickly and frequently to learn and adjust as you go.
3. Integrated Learning: Combine learning and development cycles so that improvements are constantly integrated into the work.

Example:

Imagine you’re developing a new software application. Instead of building the entire application at once, you create a basic version first and then add features in small increments. After each increment, you release the updated version to users, gather their feedback, and use that feedback to improve the next increment.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like baking a cake. Instead of making the whole cake at once, you bake a small batch of cupcakes first. You taste them, see what works, and adjust your recipe based on the results. Each batch of cupcakes helps you improve the final recipe for the whole cake. For instance:

• If the first batch is too sweet, you reduce the sugar in the next batch until you get the perfect taste.

Another Analogy:

Home Renovation Analogy:

Imagine you are renovating your home. Instead of trying to renovate the entire house at once, you tackle one room at a time. Here’s how it works:

1. Start Small: Begin with the kitchen. You plan the layout, choose the materials, and start the renovation.
2. Get Feedback: Once the kitchen is done, you live with it for a while. You notice what you like and what you don’t like, and you gather feedback from family members.
3. Learn and Adjust: Based on the feedback and your own observations, you make note of the improvements needed. Maybe you realize that the lighting could be better or that the storage space isn’t sufficient.
4. Apply Improvements: When you move on to the next room, say the bathroom, you apply what you learned from the kitchen renovation. You choose better lighting and smarter storage solutions right from the start.
5. Iterate: As you continue renovating room by room, you keep refining your approach based on the feedback and lessons from each previous room. By the time you finish the house, each room has benefited from the learnings of the rooms renovated before it.

In this analogy, renovating room by room allows you to incrementally improve and integrate feedback and learning into each subsequent room. This approach minimizes risks (e.g., costly mistakes that affect the whole house) and ensures that each room meets your evolving standards and needs. Similarly, in SAFe, building incrementally with fast, integrated learning cycles allows for continuous improvement and adaptation, resulting in a better final product.

Summary:

“Build Incrementally with Fast, Integrated Learning Cycles” in SAFe means developing work in small pieces, getting quick feedback, and continuously integrating what you learn to improve the product. This approach helps reduce risk, improve quality, and allows for quick adaptation to changes, leading to better outcomes and more efficient development processes. 

5. Base milestones on objective evaluation of working systems

What It Means:

This principle emphasizes using real, working versions of the product to measure progress and make decisions, rather than relying on reports or assumptions. It ensures that milestones are based on actual, demonstrated progress.

Key Points:

1. Objective Evaluation: Assess progress based on working systems that can be tested and reviewed, not just plans or documents.
2. Frequent Checkpoints: Regularly check the working system to ensure it meets the desired criteria and is on track.
3. Real Progress: Ensure milestones represent tangible progress that can be seen and experienced, reducing the risk of surprises later on.

Example:

Imagine you’re building a new smartphone. Instead of setting milestones based on design documents or theoretical specifications, you create working prototypes at each stage. Each milestone is achieved when you have a functional prototype that can be tested for performance, usability, and other key factors.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like building a bridge. Instead of just planning and discussing the design, you build and test sections of the bridge as you go. Each milestone is marked by the completion and successful testing of a section, ensuring the bridge is stable and on track to be completed as planned. For instance:

• You build and test the foundation first. Once it’s proven strong and stable, you move on to the pillars, and so on. This way, each milestone is based on real, tested parts of the bridge, ensuring that the final structure will be safe and reliable.

Imagine you’re preparing a multi-course meal for a dinner party. Instead of planning the entire meal on paper and assuming it will turn out perfect, you cook and taste each course as you go. Here’s how it works:

1. Appetizer: You start with the appetizer. You prepare it, taste it, and make sure it’s just right. If it’s too salty, you adjust the seasoning before serving it to your guests.
2. Soup: Next, you move on to the soup. You cook a small batch, taste it, and adjust the flavors if needed. Once you’re satisfied, you make a larger batch for your guests.
3. Main Course: You then prepare the main course. You cook a portion, taste it, and ensure it meets your standards. You might realize the sauce needs more herbs, so you adjust the recipe accordingly.
4. Dessert: Finally, you prepare the dessert. You make a sample, taste it, and tweak the recipe to get the perfect sweetness and texture.

Key Points:

• Frequent Testing: Just like tasting each course, you frequently test the working system at each milestone to ensure it meets the desired criteria.
• Objective Evaluation: Each milestone (appetizer, soup, main course, dessert) is based on a tangible, working version that can be evaluated and improved.
• Real Progress: You know each course is ready because you’ve tasted and perfected it, just as you know a product milestone is reached when you have a working version that meets your standards.

In this analogy, preparing each course and tasting it before serving ensures that each part of the meal is perfect and that you can confidently move on to the next course. Similarly, in SAFe, basing milestones on the objective evaluation of working systems ensures that each stage of development is on track and meets the required standards, reducing risks and improving the final outcome.

Summary:

“Base Milestones on Objective Evaluation of Working Systems” in SAFe means setting milestones based on actual, working versions of the product rather than on plans or assumptions. This approach ensures that progress is real and measurable, reducing risks and increasing confidence in the final outcome. 

6. Make value flow without interruptions

What It Means:

This principle focuses on improving efficiency and productivity by managing the flow of work. It emphasizes three main practices: visualizing work in progress (WIP), limiting the amount of WIP, reducing the size of work batches, and managing the length of queues.

Key Points:

1. Visualize WIP: Make the work visible so everyone knows what tasks are being worked on.
2. Limit WIP: Set limits on the number of tasks in progress to avoid overloading the team.
3. Reduce Batch Sizes: Break down work into smaller, manageable pieces to speed up delivery and reduce risk.
4. Manage Queue Lengths: Keep the work queues short to avoid delays and bottlenecks.

Example:

Imagine you’re running a bakery. To keep things running smoothly, you need to:

1. Visualize WIP: Use a board to display all the orders in progress so everyone knows what needs to be done.
2. Limit WIP: Only work on a few orders at a time to ensure each one gets the attention it needs and avoid overwhelming the bakers.
3. Reduce Batch Sizes: Instead of baking 100 cupcakes at once, bake them in smaller batches of 20. This way, if something goes wrong, it’s easier to fix, and you can get some cupcakes to customers sooner.
4. Manage Queue Lengths: Make sure the list of pending orders is manageable. If there are too many orders waiting, it slows everything down.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like driving on a highway. To keep traffic flowing smoothly, you need to:

1. Visualize WIP: Traffic signs and road markings help you see where the lanes are and where other cars are.
2. Limit WIP: Traffic lights and ramp meters control the number of cars entering the highway, preventing congestion.
3. Reduce Batch Sizes: Smaller groups of cars entering the highway at intervals keep the flow steady.
4. Manage Queue Lengths: Shorter entry ramps ensure cars get onto the highway quickly without causing long backups.

Summary:“ Make value flow without interruptions” in SAFe means making the work visible, controlling the amount of work in progress, breaking work into smaller pieces, and keeping queues short. This approach helps improve efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure a steady flow of work, leading to better productivity and quality.

7. Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning

 What It Means:

This principle emphasizes creating a regular rhythm (cadence) for activities and ensuring that different teams and departments align their plans and work schedules (synchronize). The goal is to improve coordination, predictability, and efficiency across the organization.

Key Points:

1. Cadence: Establish regular, predictable schedules for activities such as planning, development, and reviews. This creates a consistent rhythm that helps teams manage their work more effectively.
2. Synchronization: Align the schedules and plans of different teams and departments to ensure everyone is working towards the same goals and timelines. This reduces confusion and improves collaboration.
3. Cross-Domain Planning: Involve all relevant teams and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that dependencies and potential issues are identified and addressed early.

Example:

Imagine you’re organizing a music festival with multiple stages and performers. To ensure everything runs smoothly, you need to:

1. Cadence: Set regular intervals for planning meetings, rehearsals, and sound checks. For instance, have weekly meetings to review progress and daily check-ins during the festival.
2. Synchronization: Make sure that all stages and performers follow the same schedule. If one stage falls behind, it could disrupt the whole festival. Coordinating their schedules ensures smooth transitions between performances.
3. Cross-Domain Planning: Involve everyone—performers, stage managers, sound technicians, and security—in the planning process. This way, any potential issues (like equipment needs or security concerns) are identified and resolved ahead of time.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like an orchestra:

1. Cadence: The conductor sets a consistent tempo for the orchestra, ensuring all musicians play in sync.
2. Synchronization: All sections of the orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion) follow the same sheet music and cues from the conductor, ensuring they play harmoniously together.
3. Cross-Domain Planning: Before the performance, the conductor and musicians rehearse together, aligning their individual parts to create a cohesive performance.

Summary:

“Apply cadence, synchronize with cross-domain planning” in SAFe means establishing a regular schedule for activities and ensuring that all teams and departments align their plans and work schedules. This creates a predictable and coordinated workflow, improves collaboration, and helps achieve shared goals more efficiently. 

8. Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers

What It Means:

This principle focuses on empowering employees by tapping into their natural motivation and creativity. It emphasizes creating an environment where people feel valued, have autonomy, and are encouraged to grow and innovate.

Key Points:

1. Empowerment: Give employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work.
2. Autonomy: Allow employees to have control over how they approach and complete their tasks.
3. Mastery: Encourage continuous learning and skill development.
4. Purpose: Help employees understand how their work contributes to the bigger picture and the organization’s goals.

Example:

Imagine you’re managing a team of software developers. To unlock their intrinsic motivation, you:

1. Empowerment: Encourage team members to suggest improvements and make decisions about their projects.
2. Autonomy: Allow them to choose the tools and methods they prefer to use for their work.
3. Mastery: Provide opportunities for training and development, such as workshops, courses, or attending conferences.
4. Purpose: Regularly communicate how their work impacts the company’s mission and helps customers, so they see the value and significance of what they do.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like gardening:

1. Empowerment: Let the plants grow in the direction they naturally want to.
2. Autonomy: Give each plant the space it needs to grow and thrive in its own way.
3. Mastery: Provide the right nutrients, water, and care to help the plants develop strong roots and grow healthily.
4. Purpose: Understand the role of each plant in the garden, whether it’s providing food, beauty, or habitat for pollinators.

Summary:

“Unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers” in SAFe means creating a work environment where employees feel empowered, autonomous, and motivated to grow and innovate. By focusing on empowerment, autonomy, mastery, and purpose, organizations can tap into their employees’ natural drive and creativity, leading to higher engagement and better outcomes. 

9. Decentralize decision-making

This principle focuses on distributing decision-making authority to the people who are closest to the work and have the most relevant information. It helps organizations respond more quickly to changes and reduces bottlenecks.

Key Points:

1. Empower Teams: Allow teams to make decisions within their scope of work.
2. Speed and Flexibility: Quick decisions can be made without waiting for approval from higher levels of management.
3. Better Decisions: Those closest to the work often have the best understanding and can make more informed decisions.

Example:

Imagine you’re running a chain of restaurants. Instead of requiring all menu changes to be approved by the central office, you:

1. Empower Managers: Allow each restaurant manager to make decisions about their menu based on local customer preferences and ingredient availability.
2. Speed and Flexibility: Managers can quickly add or remove dishes based on what’s popular or seasonal, without waiting for approval from the head office.
3. Better Decisions: Since managers interact with customers daily, they have a better sense of what people want and can adjust the menu to meet those needs.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like a sports team:

1. Empower Players: The coach allows players to make decisions during the game based on the situation on the field.
2. Speed and Flexibility: Players can quickly adapt their strategies without waiting for instructions from the coach.
3. Better Decisions: Players on the field have a better view of the game and can make real-time decisions to improve their chances of winning.

Summary:

“Decentralize decision-making” in SAFe means giving decision-making authority to those who are closest to the work and have the best information. This approach increases speed, flexibility, and the quality of decisions, enabling the organization to respond more effectively to changes and challenges.

10.   Organize around Value

This principle focuses on structuring the organization in a way that maximizes the delivery of value to customers. Instead of organizing teams by function (like marketing, development, and sales), you organize them around value streams—end-to-end processes that deliver a product or service to the customer.

Key Points:

1. Value Streams: Identify and structure work around the sequences of activities that deliver value to the customer.
2. Cross-Functional Teams: Create teams that include all the skills needed to deliver a complete piece of value from start to finish.
3. Focus on Customer Needs: Ensure that the organization is aligned with what customers value most, enhancing responsiveness and efficiency.

Example:

Imagine you’re running a car manufacturing company. Instead of having separate departments for design, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing, you:

1. Value Streams: Organize around the value stream of “building a car.” This stream includes everything from initial design to final delivery.
2. Cross-Functional Teams: Create teams that include designers, engineers, manufacturers, and marketers who work together on the entire process of creating a car.
3. Focus on Customer Needs: Each team focuses on delivering the best possible car to the customer, ensuring all aspects of the process are optimized to meet customer demands.

Simple Analogy:

Think of it like preparing a dish in a kitchen:

1. Value Streams: The process of making a dish includes preparing ingredients, cooking, plating, and serving.
2. Cross-Functional Teams: Instead of having separate teams for chopping, cooking, and plating, have one team responsible for the entire dish from preparation to serving.
3. Focus on Customer Needs: This team focuses on delivering a delicious and well-presented dish that meets the customer’s expectations.

Summary:

“Organize around value” in SAFe means structuring the organization and its teams around the value streams that deliver products or services to customers. By focusing on value streams and forming cross-functional teams, the organization becomes more efficient, responsive, and aligned with customer needs, ultimately delivering higher value.

It is important for the Leaders of the Organization to understand, demonstrate and implement all the 10 principles of SAFe throughout the SAFe implementation. 

Attend Learnovative’s Leading SAFe (SAFe Agilist) certification training to get more insights of successful implementation of SAFe in your organization.