Agile has transformed the way teams deliver value, and Scrum has been at the heart of this transformation for many organizations. But as companies grow, scaling Agile practices becomes essential, and this is where the Scaled Agile Framework steps in.
This blog shares who is preparing to transition from traditional Scrum to SAFe. Here you can explore challenges, learnings, and insights that many Scrum Masters might encounter when their organizations decide to scale Agile.
Adapting Team Size
In Scrum, teams typically have 3–9 members. But SAFe recommends slightly larger teams of 5–9. This meant reorganizing some smaller groups and helping his developers adjust. Even small changes in team structure could cause resistance, so preparing people mentally was crucial.
Building a Community of Practice (CoP)
Teams had grown independent, each working in slightly different ways. DJ recommended forming a Community of Practice (CoP) to bring consistency in processes like story point estimation, backlog refinement, and definition of done. This alignment would make scaling smoother.
Embracing Kanban Alongside Scrum
SAFe allows teams to use Scrum or Kanban. While teams were comfortable with Scrum, it was important to prepare for the possibility of Kanban adoption. This meant encouraging Scrum Masters to learn Kanban fundamentals, such as visualizing workflows and managing WIP limits.
Creating New Opportunities
Some team members might want to explore new roles. With SAFe introducing more responsibilities across Agile Release Trains (ARTs), motivated individuals could step into leadership positions. Supporting these transitions would improve engagement and team morale.
Adjusting to New Terminology
SAFe uses slightly different terms compared to Scrum. For example, Sprints are called Iterations. Though this might seem minor, as terminology matters in organizations. Preparing both IT and business stakeholders for these changes was important to avoid confusion.
Strengthening Cross-Team Communication
One of the biggest changes in SAFe was the introduction of the Scrum of Scrums,a meeting where Scrum Masters from different teams discuss dependencies and challenges. This was a valuable opportunity to align teams, although he needed to help some Scrum Masters overcome their resistance to additional meetings.
Adjusting Event Timeboxes
Scrum events in SAFe sometimes have different durations. For example, retrospectives in SAFe are usually capped at 60 minutes instead of 90. While the difference wasn’t dramatic, plan ahead and help teams adapt to new timeboxes.
Transitioning from Scrum to SAFe can feel overwhelming at first. But it’s about building on the basics of Scrum while adopting practices that allow agility to scale across teams and departments. With guidance, preparation, and the right training with HelloSM, one of the best scrum training institutes in India, Scrum Masters can confidently navigate this change and help organizations achieve true business agility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should a Scrum Master learn SAFe?
SAFe expands Agile practices beyond a single team. For a Scrum Master, learning SAFe provides the skills needed to support multiple teams, align with business goals, and contribute to organizational agility.
What are the main challenges in moving from Scrum to SAFe?
Challenges include reorganizing teams, adapting to new terminology, managing cross-team communication, and aligning practices across multiple groups. These require patience, servant leadership, and continuous learning.
Where can I get the best SAFe Scrum Master training in India?
HelloSM, known as the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad, offers comprehensive Scrum and SAFe training to help professionals transition smoothly into scaled Agile roles.