What are some of the differences between scaling approaches such as SAFe and LeSS?
When considering scaling Scrum or Agile practices across larger organizations or for bigger projects, two prominent frameworks often come into the discussion: SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) and LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum). Each has its unique approach and philosophy toward scaling, catering to different organizational needs and cultures. Here are some key differences between SAFe and LeSS:
1. Complexity and Structure
- SAFe is known for its comprehensive and structured approach. It offers detailed guidance, roles, events, and artifacts across multiple levels of the organization (Team, Program, Large Solution, and Portfolio). SAFe is often favored by larger organizations looking for a more prescriptive scaling model that aligns with existing hierarchies.
- LeSS, on the other hand, aims to extend Scrum principles to large-scale projects with minimal addition of roles, artifacts, and processes. It emphasizes simplicity and tries to apply the Scrum framework as is, with adjustments only to accommodate larger groups. LeSS is often chosen by organizations looking for a more straightforward scaling solution that stays closer to core Scrum principles.
2. Focus
- SAFe has a broader focus, including not just software development but also the alignment of strategy, portfolio, and product management. It integrates practices from Lean, Agile, and DevOps, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for enterprise-scale operations.
- LeSS focuses more narrowly on applying Scrum in large-scale software development projects. It prioritizes principles like empirical process control, customer-centric learning, and lean thinking, with the aim of simplifying complex systems.
3. Implementation and Adoption
- SAFe's structured levels and roles make it suitable for gradual implementation, allowing organizations to adopt SAFe incrementally, starting at the program level and expanding to portfolio and large solution levels as needed. Its structured nature suits organizations that prefer clear guidelines and roles.
- LeSS encourages full adoption from the start, applying to all teams involved in the product development. Its simplicity and the minimal addition of roles and processes aim to transform organizations more fundamentally, promoting a deeper understanding and adherence to Agile principles.
4. Governance and Decision-Making
- SAFe introduces additional layers of coordination and governance, aiming to align teams’ efforts with organizational strategy and goals. It specifies roles such as Release Train Engineers and Solution Managers to facilitate coordination across teams and projects.
- LeSS advocates for decentralized decision-making, pushing authority down to the teams and emphasizing direct communication over coordination roles. It believes in growing structure organically based on the emerging needs of the product development process.
5. Ideal Use Cases
- SAFe is often preferred by very large organizations with complex systems, multiple teams, and a need for coordination across various departments and functions. Its comprehensive approach is designed to manage the complexities of large enterprises.
- LeSS is suitable for organizations that already have some experience with Scrum and are looking to scale without significantly changing the Scrum framework's essence. It's ideal for companies that value simplicity and directness in their scaling efforts.
In summary, the choice between SAFe and LeSS depends on the organization's size, culture, complexity, and the level of control versus flexibility it seeks in scaling Agile practices. SAFe offers a structured and detailed approach for organizations needing clear frameworks and roles at scale, while LeSS focuses on extending Scrum principles to large-scale projects with minimal additions, preserving the simplicity and flexibility of Scrum.
Explain like I'm 5.
SAFe is like a big LEGO set with instructions:
Imagine SAFe is a super huge LEGO set that comes with a big book of instructions. It tells you exactly how to build a giant castle with many rooms, bridges, and towers. It shows where each LEGO block should go, and everyone has a special job. Some of your friends are in charge of building the walls, some build the towers, and others might decorate the rooms. You follow the instructions step by step, so everything fits together perfectly, and in the end, you have a big, beautiful castle.
LeSS is like using your imagination with LEGO:
Now, imagine LeSS is like taking all your LEGO blocks and deciding with your friends to build a big spaceship. But instead of a big book of instructions, you agree on a simple plan: it needs a cockpit, engines, and wings. You and your friends start building, using your imagination. You talk to each other, share ideas, and if something doesn’t look right, you change it together. You might not have a detailed plan at the start, but as you build, your spaceship starts to take shape, and everyone gets to add their ideas.
The Difference:
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SAFe is like the big LEGO set with instructions. It’s great for building something huge and complex where you need to make sure all the parts fit perfectly, and everyone knows exactly what to do.
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LeSS is more about using your imagination and working closely with your friends. It's good for creating something cool and fun, where you can easily change things as you go along, depending on new ideas you get while playing.
So, whether you decide to follow the big book of instructions or use your imagination and build as you go, the most important thing is to work together with your friends and have fun building something amazing!