The Release Train Engineer (RTE) can play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, particularly in the area of DevOps. According to the SAFe framework, one effective way the RTE can support this is by helping to launch a DevOps Community of Practice (CoP)1.
A Community of Practice is an organized group of people who share a common interest in a specific technical or business domain. They collaborate regularly to share information, improve their skills, and actively work on advancing their knowledge of the domain1. In the context of DevOps, a CoP can provide a platform for developers, Scrum Masters, and Product Owners to share experiences, learn from each other, and explore new ideas and techniques that can be applied to their work.
The RTE can facilitate the creation of a DevOps CoP by:
Identifying and Engaging Interested Individuals: The RTE can identify individuals who are passionate about DevOps and willing to share their knowledge. These individuals can form the core group that initiates and leads the CoP.
Providing Resources and Support: The RTE can help by providing resources such as meeting spaces (physical or virtual), communication tools, and access to educational materials that can support the CoP’s activities.
Promoting the CoP: The RTE can promote the CoP within the organization to attract more members and ensure that it receives the necessary attention and support from leadership.
Facilitating Knowledge Sharing: The RTE can organize regular meetings, workshops, and talks that focus on DevOps topics, encouraging members to present case studies, best practices, and lessons learned.
By taking these steps, the RTE helps create a dynamic and collaborative environment where members can deepen their understanding of DevOps, leading to improved practices and outcomes across the Agile Release Train.
