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What occurs without a shared understanding of the principles?
In the context of SAFe, a shared understanding of the principles is crucial for the successful implementation of the Lean-Agile mindset. Without this shared understanding, measures that were once beneficial can become problematic. This is because the principles of SAFe are designed to work together as a coherent whole. When these principles are not understood or followed collectively, the practices derived from them may not yield the intended benefits and can even lead to negative outcomes.
For example, if a team adopts the SAFe principle of decentralized decision-making without a shared understanding of the Lean-Agile mindset, they might make decisions that are not aligned with the overall goals of the organization. Similarly, if the principle of transparency is not commonly understood, teams may not communicate effectively, leading to mistrust and reduced collaboration.
A shared understanding ensures that everyone in the organization is aligned on the 'why' behind the practices, which helps in effectively applying them to achieve the desired business outcomes. It also enables the organization to adapt these practices systematically to their local context while still maintaining the integrity of the SAFe framework.
Therefore, it is essential for Release Train Engineers (RTEs) and other SAFe practitioners to facilitate and reinforce a shared understanding of the SAFe principles to prevent beneficial measures from becoming problematic and to ensure that the Lean-Agile mindset is effectively achieved and sustained within the organization. This alignment is key to realizing the full potential of SAFe and achieving significant business outcomes.