Lean-Agile leaders are essential for the successful implementation of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). A key characteristic they need to have is the understanding and exhibition of SAFe’s values, principles, and practices1.
Lean-Agile leadership involves driving and sustaining organizational change and operational excellence by empowering individuals and teams to reach their highest potential. Leaders achieve this by leading by example; learning and modeling SAFe’s Lean-Agile mindset, values, principles, and practices; and leading the change to a new way of working1.
The Lean-Agile Leadership competency is one of the seven core competencies of Business Agility, which is essential to achieving Business Agility. Leaders are responsible for the adoption, success, and ongoing improvement of Lean-Agile development. They have the authority to change and continuously improve the systems that govern how work is performed. Moreover, they create an environment that encourages high-performing Agile teams to flourish and produce value1.
In summary, Lean-Agile leaders must internalize and model leaner ways of thinking and operating so that team members will learn from their example, coaching, and encouragement. This is more than just supporting the transformation; it’s about actively leading the change and guiding the activities necessary to understand and continuously optimize the flow of value through the enterprise1.
