Before getting into the top 5 roles of a SAFe practice Consultants, we should know who is an SPC?

A SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), who is called a SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) from SAFe 6.0, is a pivotal figure in the world of Agile and Lean practices, especially within the framework of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

At a high level, SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) guides organizations through transformations, equips them with tools and methodologies to scale Agile practices, and facilitates workshops and training sessions.

Top 5 roles of SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC)

Let’s explore this in more depth by delving into the top 5 roles of an SPC, and to make it more relatable, I’ll pepper it with a personal touch.

SPC is a Transformation Leader:

As seasoned traveler uses their compass and map to navigate unfamiliar terrains, a SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) serves as the compass for organizations journeying through Agile transformations.

They are not just implementers, they are leaders, charting out the course for how companies can restructure, relearn, and revamp their work culture.

Imagine an old ship trying to navigate modern waters with outdated tools and maps. The crew is hardworking and passionate, but they’re often lost. That’s how many organizations feel in today’s dynamic business landscape.

The SPC becomes the modern navigator, introducing advanced tools like GPS and up-to-date charts, to ensure the ship sails smoothly and reaches its desired destination.

SPC is an effective Trainer and Coach:

A SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) wears the hat of an educator, running courses, workshops, and coaching sessions on SAFe principles, practices, and roles.

They’re not just teaching theoretical concepts, they’re imparting actionable strategies. By doing so, they ensure that teams are equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate their Agile journey successfully.

Remember that one teacher or coach in school or college who made a complex topic seem so simple and relatable? That’s the essence of a good SPC.

They break down the complexities of SAFe into digestible, relatable pieces, making learning a joy and not just a task.

SPC is a Change Agent:

Transformation is a mindset change, not just bringing processes in place. Hence, the SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) should bring mindset change to the organization through SAFe transformation.

A SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) helps cultivate the cultural shift required for a successful Agile transformation. As I mentioned above, this isn’t just about processes; it’s about mindsets.

They work closely with leadership and teams to overcome resistance, address fears, and replace outdated practices with a culture of continuous improvement.

Think back to a time when you had to break a long-held habit or belief. It was hard, wasn’t it? Organizations too have ‘habits’ – deep-seated practices and beliefs – that might not be productive anymore.

The SPC is that reassuring friend who holds your hand, helps you understand why the change is essential, and supports you through the process.

SPC is an Internal Consultant:

Beyond training and leadership, SAFe Practice Consultants (SPCs) also serve as internal consultants. They are involved in strategic planning, helping to identify value streams, set up Agile Release Trains (ARTs), and establish Lean Portfolio Management.

Their deep knowledge of SAFe and organizational dynamics makes them invaluable when designing solutions tailored to the company’s unique challenges and goals.

Remember the times when you’ve tried to solve a jigsaw puzzle? Sometimes you get so engrossed in one section that you miss out on the bigger picture. The SPC is like someone who has already seen the completed image of the puzzle.

They guide and provide insights, ensuring all pieces fit together coherently to reveal the bigger picture – in this case, a successful Agile enterprise.

SPC is a Continuous Learner and Evaluator:

The world of Agile is dynamic. Practices evolve, and so do challenges. SAFe as a framework evolves often. Every 2-3 years, there is a new and better version of SAFe gets released.

Is it not important for the SPC to evolve and learn the new version of SAFe?

A SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) is not just a teacher but also a perpetual student. They continuously update their knowledge, adapt to new trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies. By doing so, they ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of Agile best practices.

Think of your favorite author or artist. Over time, you’ll notice that their style, themes, or techniques might change, showcasing growth and adaptability.

Similarly, an SPC evolves with the changing landscape of Agile practices. Their passion for learning and adapting ensures that they, and by extension, the organizations they assist, remain relevant and progressive.

Conclusion:

Many times, while the SAFe implementation starts within the organization, predominantly no one is aware of the SAFe transformation except the SAFe Practice Consultant. It’s key for the SPC to implement the framework that yields business results to the customer.

Hence, a SAFe Practice Consultant is not just a role, it’s a commitment. It’s a commitment to guiding organizations towards agility, teaching with enthusiasm, championing change, strategizing for success, and embracing continuous evolution.

Through their expertise and passion, SPCs serve as the pillars that support, guide, and elevate organizations in their SAFe journey.