As a SAFe Agilist, one of your most important responsibilities is leading change within an organization to successfully adopt agile methodologies and mindsets.

Transitioning teams to new ways of working inevitably involves some resistance and uncertainty.

However, there are various techniques SAFe Agilists can employ to motivate teams, manage change, and overcome obstacles.

Let us explore in depth how a SAFe Agilist can lead the change in an organization.

Leading the Change as SAFe Agilist in an Organization

 

Understanding Resistance to Change

Leading any organizational change effort inevitably involves encountering some resistance. People inherently prefer their comfort zones and predictable routines. When facing ambiguous transformations, skepticism and objections arise. As a SAFe Agilist, it is critical to understand the psychology behind these reactions in order to proactively address concerns.

One key driver of resistance is loss of control. Employees want a voice in changes that radically impact their roles. Dictating alterations from the top down makes people feel powerless. Lack of input breeds resentment, not enthusiasm. They may perceive the need for change differently than leadership.

There are also ingrained habits to contend with. After years of working a certain way, change requires unlearning old processes. That level of cognitive rewiring is uncomfortable. There may be doubts about possessing the skills needed to work in new ways. People fear the unknown and loss of status.

Change can also disrupt social networks and team dynamics. Groups develop close bonds over time. Altering group membership or workflows risks undermining the confidence that comes from established collaborations. There can be political resistance if changes threaten the status quo.

With empathy and forethought, SAFe Agilists can preemptively plan for these reactions. Make sure teams understand the rationale behind changes so they don’t feel blindsided. Give them transparency into timelines and impacts. Focus on upskilling rather than replacing. Share stories of others who successfully transitioned. Maintain open communication and show a willingness to incorporate feedback. Patience and acknowledgment of the challenge will gain respect.

Motivating Teams Through Change

Driving change requires rallying individuals around a compelling vision of the future state. As a SAFe Agilist, you must paint a picture that motivates teams to undertake the discomfort of change. rather than criticizing current methodologies, focus messaging on the benefits the new practices will offer.

For example, highlight how iterative development and faster feedback loops will enable higher quality products that better delight customers. Discuss how breaking down silos between functions will allow more rewarding collaboration and knowledge sharing. Outline how taking on new technology skills will expand marketability and career options.

Emphasize that increased team autonomy and ownership will make work more fulfilling. Change is not being done to them but rather for them, to empower them. Listen to the goals team members have for their professional growth and connect those to the vision.

Incorporate interactive exercises to make the future vision tangible. Have teams envision prototypes of new workflows or digital tools. Identify quick-win projects that can demonstrate benefits early on. Set up sandboxes for teams to experiment with new practices without pressure.

Share success stories from early adopters who have embraced change. Highlight their results and testimonials. Peer encouragement is powerful. Form tiger teams of change champions to model desired mindsets and influence cultural transformation.

Appeal to the innate human desire for mastery, learning, and creativity. Position change as an exciting opportunity to build new capabilities and reinvent team dynamics. With the right motivational approach, you can shape an energizing vision that inspires teams to take ownership of change.

Coaching Teams on New Practices

Implementing change requires teaching teams the specific skills and behaviors needed for new ways of working. As a SAFe Agilist, you take on a coaching role to facilitate this transition. It requires patience, encouragement, and a structured approach.

When introducing practices like iterative development, begin with an overview of core principles and objectives. Compare and contrast with previous workflows to highlight differences. Outline key roles and the responsibilities of each. Provide templates, checklists, or visual job aids to guide teams in applying new practices correctly.

Schedule hands-on workshops where team members can walk through exercises together. Role-playing is helpful for practicing the facilitation of new ceremonies like system demos or retrospectives. Provide sample scenarios and case studies to discuss approaches. End workshops with reflection on lessons learned.

Encourage teams to start small when adopting new practices, such as running simplified retrospectives or pilots of iterative development. Offer to observe initial attempts and provide feedback. Look for opportunities to reinforce positive behaviors. Constructive criticism should focus on how to improve.

Establish mentoring relationships between experienced coaches and teams new to practice. Schedule regular touchpoints for both formal training and informal Q&A. Make yourself readily available to answer ad hoc questions. Problem-solve implementation issues collaboratively.

Gradually transition responsibility to the team as skills grow. Check for understanding by having team members teach back what they have learned. Celebrating successes creates confidence and momentum to stick with change.

Communicating Effectively During Change

Clear, consistent, and thoughtful communication is vital when leading teams through change. As a SAFe Agilist, how you convey key messages sets the tone for how change is received.

Active listening skills allow you to have productive dialogues where team members feel heard. Ask probing questions to uncover the root causes of resistance. Demonstrate empathy for the reluctance or anxiety people may feel. Discussion should be two-way, not top-down lecturing.

Tailor communication style and mediums to resonate with different audiences. For example, use storytelling and motivational messaging to inspire excitement. For analytical types, provide clear data on the business case and measurements. Know your audience and craft targeted messaging accordingly.

Leverage a variety of communication channels including email, newsletters, town halls, webinars, and team meetings. Use images, infographics, videos, and interactive elements to make messaging stick. Timely and transparent communication provides comfort amidst uncertainty.

Celebrate important milestones achieved together during the change journey. Recognize teams publicly for embracing change. Storytelling from early adopters sharing their transition journeys helps make change less theoretical.

Listen for and seek to understand rumors or misinformation spreading, and address them promptly with facts. Welcome constructive feedback and concerns. Adapting plans based on this input shows you genuinely want change to work for all.

With compassion, candor, and clarity, communicate in ways that inspire shared purpose. messaging should energize people around a future vision that motivates engagement.

Leading By Example

As a SAFe Agilist driving change, your behaviors and attitudes are under constant scrutiny. You must model the mindsets and principles you aim to instill at all times. Leading by example is the most powerful way to influence teams to embrace change themselves.

Do not simply dictate new practices – actively participate in learning and adopting those practices. Attend training alongside team members to demonstrate a shared commitment to building new skills. Volunteer to pilot new processes within your own workflows.

Be transparent about your own struggles or discomfort during the change journey. Share lessons learned from both your successes and failures. Your vulnerability will inspire others to persevere through growing pains.

Embrace collaboration over hierarchy. Rely on influence rather than formal authority to motivate teams. Delegate decision-making power to empower others. Trust teams to self-organize and remove bureaucratic obstacles in their way.

Proactively seek feedback on how the change program is progressing. Welcome constructive criticism, and be willing to adapt plans based on that input. Model agile principles of transparency, inspection, and adaptation.

Publicly celebrate teams who achieve milestones in embracing change. Recognize those who demonstrate enthusiasm and initiative to motivate others. Call out examples of teams properly applying new methods.

Your confidence in the vision and unwavering commitment to driving change will instill confidence in those around you. Through persistent modeling of desired mindsets and actions, you can inspire an entire organization to embrace transformation.

Final Words

Leading successful organizational change is never easy, but is tremendously rewarding. As a SAFe Agilist, you have an opportunity to spearhead a transformation that uplifts both employee engagement and your company’s agility. By maintaining unwavering conviction in the vision, reinforcing benefits, empowering teams, and leading compassionately, you can rally people to embrace a better way of working.

Change requires patience, resilience, and trust. Adopt a growth mindset focused on long-term gains. Through open and frequent communication, transparency, and a collaborative spirit, people will follow your lead. Stay tuned into concerns, provide support, and celebrate milestones. Each small win fuels momentum carrying you closer to the goal.

With concerted effort and commitment to doing right by your people, you will navigate this transition successfully. Keep the end vision in mind, but take it one step at a time. Progress will steadily accumulate if you persevere. Know that the capabilities you build and the lessons learned will serve your organization for years to come. The SAFe Agilist role is challenging but immensely fulfilling. Lead with courage and heart.

Interested in Becoming a SAFe Agilist? Master SAFe Agile with Our Training and become a certified SAFe Agilist.

Also check: Leading SAFe Training Cost