Each week in SAFe Connect, we share one practical tip from a member of the community to help you apply SAFe in more meaningful ways.
This week, Ronald Miranda shares a practical reminder that has guided his work through complex Agile transformations: start with people and the problems they're trying to solve.
đĄ Tip of the Week: Start with Stakeholders, Not the Framework
When I'm working in a complex environment, I remind myself that the framework isn't the objectiveâcreating value is.
Before introducing new SAFe practices, I take the time to identify everyone who will be affected by the transformation and understand the challenges they're facing. Complex environments can make it difficult to see the real problems, so investing time upfront helps ensure we're solving the right ones instead of simply implementing practices because they're part of the framework.
Here's what I try to keep in mind:
- Identify all of the stakeholders impacted by the change.
- Listen carefully to the challenges they're experiencing.
- Validate that every SAFe practice you're introducing addresses a real need.
- Measure success by the value created, not by how closely you follow the framework.
To keep improving, I regularly explore SAFe Studio materials, attend SAFe Connect discussions and events, and continue learning through webinars, books, training, forums, and hands-on practice. Those different perspectives help me refine my approach and stay current as Agile continues to evolve.
One habit that also helps me stay productive is tagging every email, chat, webpage, or task that requires my attention. At the start of each day, I review those tagged items first so I have a clear picture of my priorities before diving into new work.
For me, successful SAFe adoption has never been about following a framework perfectly. It's about understanding people, solving meaningful problems, and delivering value where it matters most.
