Common Pitfalls in a SAFe® Transformation and How Jira Align Can Help Avoid Them

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Implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®) is a complex process that organizations often struggle with. Without proper guidance and tools, they may encounter a variety of pitfalls that can, and most often will hinder the success of their SAFe® transformation.

In this article, kindly provided by our colleagues at Catworkx as part of the Tools 4 Agile Teams at Scale network, we look at common pitfalls and shortfalls and show how Jira Align can help navigate around them.

1. Lack of Alignment and Collaboration

One of the most common risks in SAFe® transformations comes from the lack of alignment and collaboration among teams and stakeholders. Miscommunication and disconnected workflows can lead to delays, conflicts, and outcomes that are far less than ideal.

Jira Align addresses this challenge by providing a centralized platform where teams can align their priorities, visualize dependencies, and collaborate effectively. With features like shared dashboards, real-time communication, and feedback mechanisms, the tool fosters an environment supporting both continuity and collaboration across the entire organization.

One of its key functionalities towards these efforts is the strategy pyramid. Mission, Vision, and Values are defined here and linked to the organization’s goals and objectives, helping to achieve them in shorter timeframes.

Mission, Vision, Value, and The Strategy Pyramid

The hierarchy of goals and objectives can be directly linked to work items, helping to ensure teams are working in the most collaborative fashion to achieve the same outcome. While the Strategy Room and the Strategy Pyramid provide high levels of information on strategy progress, the OKR Hub is the best way to visualize achievements along with the identified objectives at all levels of the organization.

OKR Hub

2. Insufficient Visibility and Transparency

Without proper visibility and transparency, organizations may struggle to properly track progress, identify bottlenecks, and make informed decisions. Lack of visibility can result in delays, duplicated efforts, and resource misallocation.

Jira Align offers robust reporting and metrics capabilities that provide real-time visibility into the SAFe® transformation. Teams can track key performance indicators, measure progress, and generate insightful reports. With this tool, stakeholders have the necessary transparency to identify issues early on and take the appropriate course of action.

A central information hub for all teams are the "Rooms" - Strategy, Portfolio, Program/ART, and Team. These are information cockpits that provide summarized information unique to each respective level. Rooms are configurable and the visibility of various metric gadgets can be toggled on or off. Additionally, gadgets can be placed wherever most convenient on the dashboard as determined by the teams themselves.

Different "Rooms" in Jira Align: Strategy, Portfolio, Program/Art and Team room

The Strategy Room summarizes the progress of the entire strategy implementation process: OKR, achieved outcomes, work items, etc.

The Portfolio Room focuses on information regarding portfolio epic progress: execution status, related resource situation, and financial status.

The Program Room displays information about one or multiple program increments: work items (features), accepted story points, dependencies, impediments, impediments, and objectives on Program/ART level.

The Team Room provides information about the progress of the sprint: work items, impediments, sprint backlog, iteration goal, objectives, and dependencies.

3. Ineffective Dependency Management

Managing dependencies is a critical aspect of a successful SAFe® transformation. Failure to address dependencies can lead to delays, conflicts, and compromised product quality.

Jira Align facilitates effective dependency management by allowing teams to visualize and track dependencies across programs, teams, and epics. The tool provides a clear view of interdependencies, enabling proactive planning and the mitigation of risks. Organizations can also manage dependencies effectively and ensure straightforward progress during their SAFe® transformation.

Dependency Workflow

A simplified dependency workflow helps teams align expectations. A regular review increases the transparency surrounding uncommitted dependencies, identifying issues when teams cannot deliver on time, or just simply, any agreements that may be missing.

List of Dependencies

Dependency Trend Analysis

Dependency Wheel

Several reports help to monitor dependencies and trigger discussions for potential improvements.

The Dependency List helps to manage commitments, while the Dependency Trend Analysis and the Dependency Wheel Report help to identify major communication channels such as which teams should work more closely together given the number of dependencies identified in their plannings.

Finally, dependencies are also transparent within the ART/program board which supports PI planning or PI execution as shown below.

ART/program board

4. Lack of Continuous Improvement and Adaptability

A SAFe® transformation is an ongoing journey requiring continuous improvement and adaptability. Organizations failing to embrace a culture of continuous learning and iteration planning may struggle to most effectively sustain their transformation efforts.

Jira Align supports continuous improvement by enabling teams to track metrics, measure outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. The tool's flexibility allows organizations to adapt their processes and workflows to any changing needs. Organizations can also foster a culture of continuous improvement and ensure long-term success in their SAFe® transformation.

The following are three solid examples highlighting the benefits of including Jira Align reports in an organization’s continuous improvement activities like retrospectives.

Iteration Metrics can be utilized to help better understand the importance of team indicators as they evolved from sprint to sprint. For example, highlighting team "emotion" in a transparent manner so as to trigger feedback and subsequent improvements, view achieved objectives, as well as committed versus achieved stories and story points.

Iteration Metrics

Iteration Coaching summarizes a team’s actual performance against the goals set for an iteration.

Iteration Coaching Report

The Program Predictability report details how a Program/ART delivers on commitments by comparing planned and achieved value points.

Program Predictability

Conclusion

SAFe® transformations can be challenging, but by leveraging Jira Align, organizations can avoid common pitfalls, thus enhancing their chances of success. By promoting alignment, collaboration, visibility, and transparency, this tool addresses key challenges in SAFe transformation.

Its powerful features for dependency management and continuous improvement empower organizations to navigate the complexities of Scaling Agile. It helps organizations to streamline their SAFe® transformation, achieve better outcomes, and foster a culture of agility and collaboration.

Successful SAFe® transformations require careful planning, effective change management, and strong leadership. Jira Align serves as a valuable tool in supporting these efforts, however, it should be complemented with proper training, coaching, and organizational support to ensure a completely successful transformation journey.

We'll find the best way to SAFe® together. We will accompany you step by step.

We know implementing SAFe® can seem intimidating. But with the right tools and especially the right partner, it doesn't have to be! Whether you are still at the beginning of your transformation process or already want to scale to the next level: We evaluate each step with you, advise you on methods and the use of suitable tools, and accompany you through the entire process. We combine our know-how around the introduction of Agile Hive, Jira, and Jira Align with the expert knowledge of KEGON, Germany's leading SAFe partner and SAFe first-mover in Europe.

Just get in touch with us or visit our website - we look forward to supporting you on your transformation journey!

Further Reading

5 Reasons Why Agile Hive Will Help Your SAFe Rollout with Atlassian Jira

How to Always Be One Step Ahead with SAFe® and Agile Hive

Don’t Fear Change! How to Scale Agile with the Right Tools

Get to know Jira Align for project management

Manage Your Jira Data Center Instance Wisely With Guardrails