Top 3 Scaled Agile Frameworks Compared
Exploring the Need for Scaling Agile
Before delving into the fascinating intricacies of SAFe, LeSS, and Scrum@Scale, it’s crucial to understand what Agile is and why many companies desire to scale it. Simply put, Agile is a project management and product development approach that encourages swift and flexible adaptation to change. It’s a philosophy that advocates for iterative progress, a prominent customer input, and adaptability.
As companies constantly grow and expand, the demand for Agile to be implemented across all aspects of the business arises. This is often referred to as “scaling Agile”. Scaling Agile signifies the application of Agile principles to large teams working on complex projects, across various departments, or across numerous geographical locations.
The Birth of Scaled Agile Frameworks
The push for Agile scaling led to the birth of various Scaled Agile Frameworks. These frameworks were designed to bring everyone on the same page—to synchronize and coordinate efforts, to de-silo departments and teams, and to guarantee smooth, efficient collaboration. They try to address the question of handling the complexities that come with scaling Agile.
Among the many Scaled Agile Frameworks in existence, SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), LeSS (Large Scale Scrum), and Scrum@Scale stand out due to their popularity and proven efficiency. However, each of these frameworks is not a one-size-fits-all solution and should be selected depending on your organization’s size, culture, and goals. Consequently, let’s take a closer look at each of these frameworks and examine their individual strengths and trade-offs.
A Quick Look at SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)
SAFe is often considered the go-to framework for large enterprises transitioning into Agile. It provides a detailed, understandable, and comprehensive guide to scaling Agile, complete with processes, roles, structures, and the tools necessary for the application across all business levels. SAFe has enormous flexibility as it can be adapted to suit any organization size, from large enterprises with hundreds of teams to smaller businesses with only a handful of teams.
A significant strength of SAFe is its explicit structure that helps larger organizations navigate their complexity. It lays out all the elements involved in a scaled Agile transformation, making it easy to comprehend what needs to be done and how. On the flip side, this rigid structure can also be viewed as a drawback. Over-reliance on processes and rules can somewhat contradict the Agile principle of prioritizing individuals and interactions over processes and tools.
Under the Microscope: LeSS (Large Scale Scrum)
Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is another popular framework for scaling Agile, especially suited for medium-sized businesses. It builds on the Scrum principles and practices, requiring a particular mindset and culture. Specifically designed to prevent over-complicating processes, LeSS focuses more on fewer roles, fewer artifacts, and pushing the teams to self-organize.
The main strength of LeSS is its simplicity. It offers a deep and thoughtful approach to scaled Agile without being needlessly complex or overbearing. However, the simplicity of the LeSS approach could also present a challenge when newly applied. Organizations may struggle with the shift towards the requisite self-organization and ownership, especially if they lack the necessary Agile mindset or pressing deadlines overshadow the transition process.
Scrum@Scale: A Deeper Dive
Developed by one of the co-creators of Scrum, Jeff Sutherland, Scrum@Scale is a framework that’s naturally based around Scrum principles. Unlike the other two, Scrum@Scale doesn’t aim to create a completely new framework, but instead, it seeks to extend the functions of an existing Scrum framework to larger settings.
The main allure of Scrum@Scale is that it enhances an already familiar set of practices and principles, making it easier for organizations already using Scrum to scale up. However, one of its primary challenges is that it requires a high level of discipline and a truly Agile mindset to be genuinely effective. Misinterpretations or misapplications of the framework can lead to a lack of clarity and cohesion.
Comparison of SAFe, LeSS, and Scrum@Scale
The Final Verdict
When it comes to choosing an Agile framework for your organization, there’s no single winner in the SAFe vs. LeSS vs. Scrum@Scale battle. It all hinges on what your organization needs. Big enterprises with complex structures might find SAFe most helpful, while organizations with strong Scrum adoption might gravitate towards Scrum@Scale. Meanwhile, the simplicity of LeSS could appeal to medium-sized businesses wanting to avoid over-complication.
A thorough understanding of each framework, along with an assessment of organizational goals, size, culture, and agility, can pave the way for effective decision-making. Remember, the ultimate objective is to become Agile—not merely to implement a framework, but to embrace a mindset and a philosophy that can help you adapt, evolve, and succeed in today’s complex and rapidly changing business environment.
