SAFe: Scaling agility for enterprise success
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) is a knowledge base of structured guidance for implementing Agile practices at an enterprise scale. It provides a framework for organisations to scale Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban across multiple teams, departments, and even entire businesses.
For companies struggling with traditional project management in complex environments, SAFe offers a way to improve collaboration, accelerate delivery, and achieve greater business agility.
Finding the right SAFe freelancer
When looking for a SAFe freelancer, consider their experience with specific SAFe configurations (Essential SAFe, Large Solution SAFe, Portfolio SAFe, and Full SAFe), certifications (SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), Release Train Engineer (RTE), etc.), and practical experience in implementing SAFe transformations. A strong understanding of Lean-Agile principles and experience in coaching and mentoring teams is crucial.
Key SAFe expertise areas
SAFe implementations
Look for freelancers experienced in implementing various SAFe configurations, from Essential SAFe for smaller organisations to the more comprehensive Full SAFe for larger enterprises. Their experience should encompass all aspects of a SAFe implementation, including setting up Agile Release Trains (ARTs), establishing Program Increment (PI) planning, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
SAFe coaching and training
Some freelancers specialise in coaching and training teams and individuals on SAFe principles and practices. This can be essential for organisations adopting SAFe for the first time or looking to improve their existing implementation. Look for freelancers with proven experience in delivering SAFe training and workshops.
SAFe tooling and technology
Experience with tools like Jira Align, VersionOne, and other SAFe-compatible platforms is a valuable asset. These tools help manage and track progress across multiple teams and ARTs, providing valuable insights into the overall health of the SAFe implementation.
Interview questions for SAFe freelancers
- Describe your experience with different SAFe configurations.
- How have you helped organisations successfully implement SAFe?
- What are the key challenges you've encountered during SAFe transformations, and how did you overcome them?
- Explain your approach to PI planning and execution.
- What metrics do you use to measure the success of a SAFe implementation?
Shortlisting SAFe candidates
- Focus on candidates who demonstrate a deep understanding of SAFe principles and have a proven track record of successful implementations.
- Look for practical experience, relevant certifications, and strong communication skills.
- Check their references and portfolio for evidence of their expertise.
Potential red flags
- A lack of practical experience with SAFe implementations.
- Over-reliance on theory without demonstrable results.
- An inability to articulate SAFe principles clearly and concisely.
- A limited understanding of the challenges associated with SAFe transformations.
Complementary skills
SAFe expertise often complements skills like Agile project management, Scrum mastery, Kanban, DevOps, and business analysis. A freelancer with a combination of these skills can provide a holistic approach to scaling agility within your organisation.
Benefits of hiring a SAFe freelancer
Hiring a SAFe freelancer can help your organisation improve time-to-market, enhance collaboration across teams, increase productivity, and achieve greater business agility. They can guide your organisation through the complexities of a SAFe transformation, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation.
For example, a freelancer might help a struggling telecom company implement SAFe to manage the complex development of a new 5G network, or assist a financial institution in scaling Agile across multiple departments to streamline their software delivery process.
Another example could be a retail company hiring a SAFe freelancer to coordinate multiple software development teams working on different aspects of a new e-commerce platform.
By leveraging the expertise of a SAFe freelancer, your organisation can navigate the challenges of scaling agile and unlock the full potential of the framework.
