In a previous column, I discussed how to write SMART Goals.  The following column dives in a bit deeper as to how we can use the SMART Goal format when writing PI Objectives and Iteration Goals. Every Program Increment (specifically at PI Planning), we craft and discuss our PI Objectives.  What about Iteration Goals?  Let’s dive into each a bit more. What is a SAFe PI Objective? It’s a summary of the business and technical goals, written in a common language for business and

Have you ever heard of Shu Ha Ri before?  No?  Well, you will now, grasshopper! Shu Ha Ri is a Japanese martial arts concept.  Remember Mr. Miyagi from the classic 1984 movie Karate Kid?  “Wax on, wax off.  Wax on, wax off.”  Shu Ha Ri describes the stages of learning to mastery.  Learning is not a linear progression!  It’s a never-ending process of continual growth and improvement.  You can easily apply these concepts in Agile. Shu Shu literally means to “obey”.  This is the

What is a SMART Goal ?  It can apply to any goal you set, not just Agile-related ones.  We write our PI Objectives in SMART goal format, but it can also be used to write better sprint goals.  A SMART Goal is scientifically proven to help teams set and achieve goals.  They excel at providing the framework to create a compelling PI Objective or Sprint Goal.  You can even use them for retrospective goals!   Let’s dive in… They give you direction.  A well-planned goal helps you m

What on earth does a Release Train Engineer (RTE) do? The Scaled Agile Framework definition states that “The Release Train Engineer (RTE) is a servant leader and coach for the Agile Release Train (ART).” That’s a mouthful! Well, there’s a lot that goes on “behind the scenes” to keep an Agile Release Train on the tracks. It’s more than just organizing PI Planning! Is it a Release Manager? No, but here’s a highlight of just a few areas that an RTE can help! ● Protec

Feedback is critical to the success of the Agile Release Train (ART). How do we know if the solution we are building is what our customers desire? Stakeholders, aka Business Owners in the world of SAFe, play a crucial role in keeping the Agile Release Train on track. This is definitely a partnership! How can you help as a partner of your Agile Release Train? Attend the PI Planning Event for the full two days (in person if possible!). Regularly attend the system demo (or sen

Here's a presentation that I wrote and have given at multiple companies on various Agile tools. The screenshots are from Azure DevOps, not JIRA, but can easily be swapped out.

Here's a presentation that I wrote and have given at multiple companies.

Today, we’ll learn more about the role of the Team Coach . Team Coach? Jen, what are you talking about? Did you know that with SAFe 6.0, they have actually renamed the role of the Scrum Master to a Team Coach? Yes! Prince, who changed his name to a Symbol, or Snoop Dog g’s identity crisis, where he became Snoop Lion-do you remember that? Thankfully, he’s back to straight Gin and Juice! The Team Coach role is no gimmick. Seriously though, “ain’t nothin’ but a SAFe thin

SAFe focuses heavily on Lean-Agile practices. Lean is all about reducing waste (improving efficiency and eliminating multi-tasking) and...

In an Agile Release Train (ART), we strive to wrap up our PI commitments made before the Innovation and Planning Iteration. Sometimes...

In an Agile Release Train (ART), we try to mitigate risks. Some risks can be tackled at a Team level. Some risks are bubbled up to a...

Carryover—what is it, really? Recently, there's been a lot of discussion around this concept. Many people experience the shame associated with it. So, let’s take a closer look at carryover: the good, the bad, and the ugly. We’ll explore when it’s acceptable, when it’s not, and how managing carryover can bring benefits to you, your team, and the company. Let’s dive in! TL;DR (Though there’s a wealth of valuable information here) - Carryover = deferred work into the next time