How to become a Successful SAFe Agile Coach?

Who is a SAFe Agile Coach?

Before we study about how to Become a SAFe Trainer, let's have a brief overview about what is the purpose of a SAFe framework, who is a SAFe Agile Coach and what are the responsibilities that come into the picture to become an expert agile coach.

Based on agile software development, lean development, and system thinking, SAFe encourages agile teams in large enterprises to interact, collaborate, align, and deliver faster with consideration to customer demand. The SAFe agile framework is designed in a way to provide flexibility that enables multiple cross-functional teams to work together in complex projects. An expert SAFe Trainer is responsible to keep the momentum going by pointing the team members at an enterprise-level system of working in the right direction. And he is able to provide the necessary guidance if he has already enhanced his SAFe skill sets by undertaking appropriate agile certification courses.

Responsibilities of a SAFe Agile Coach

1. Initially, as a SAFe Agile Coach, you have to articulate to the leaders of the organization the vision and urgency of the transformation. And how to move ahead toward business agility by expanding the SAFe implementation within the organization.

2. As a change agent, it is your discretion to select a better framework that supports the function of the organization.

3. As a SAFe® Program Consultant Trainer, you have to come up with a customized implementation strategy and a plan to include SAFe within the organization.

4. Your job will also include training leaders, and executive managers and educating them on the SAFe frameworks to adopt methods of operation.

5. A SAFe Agile Coach guides the team with the Lean techniques and tools during the software development process. They are also responsible for synchronizing multiple agile teams to function collaboratively in running ART.

6. The SAFe agile coach also provides training and integration in delivering high-value products in the shortest period of time.

How to become a successful SAFe Agile Coach?

Here is a simple roadmap to becoming a successful SAFe Agile Coach:

1. Look for leading SAFe courses on the market.

2. Attend two days of SAFe® course which consists of lessons on topics like understanding the five competencies of Lean-agile enterprise, Lean thinking manager, applying the principles and values of Lean-agile mindset, creating high performing teams and trains by determining the mission and purpose of the organization.

3. Then the attendees will learn about how to lead the transformation with the implementation plan, supporting PI planning, and more.

4. The attendees will have to establish alignment with strategic themes and Lean Portfolio Management and coordinate with multiple ARTs and suppliers.

5. After the classes, the attendees will have to log in for the exam which is based on the multiple-choice questions format.

6. After you qualify for the test, you will get the certification.

7. Get access to a one-year membership and you can also renew the certification.

Agile certifications to become a SAFe Trainer

If you are aspiring to become a SAFe trainer, then obtaining an agile certification should not be a vague concern for you. When you are a certified SAFe Agile coach, you will be able to set yourself apart from others in your profession. Some of the certifications provided by Scaled Agile are:

1. Leading SAFe for leaders who want to develop a Lean-Agile mindset to support agile teams, and portfolio management at the enterprise scale.

2. Implementing SAFe for change agents who want to implement and apply principles and practices of a scaled agile framework for Lean-Agile transformation.

3. SAFe® 5.1 Program Consultants to train team coaches and launch Agile Release Trains.

Benefits of earning a SAFe certification:

Some of the core benefits are:

1. Obtaining a SAFe certification will expand your skills and empower you to perform a vital role in driving business transformation.

2. These courses are designed to measure your knowledge, competency, and mindset to use SAFe in a real working environment.

3. People who earn new certifications always receive a hike in their pay as this certification is globally recognised.

4. This also equips you with the required SAFe knowledge to work with multiple Scrum teams.

Conclusion

Developing the necessary expertise to qualify as a SAFe Agile Coach can require some considerable time because as a trainer it is important to have thorough knowledge of basic ideas of agile frameworks to relate to the changing project management trends in the market. After you Become a SAFe Trainer, you will be able to provide solutions for various common issues prevailing in an organization when they plan to migrate to an advanced agile mode of operation.

FAQs

1. How do I become SAFe certified?

To become a certified SAFe Agile Coach, you need to take a course where you will be provided access to the SAFe community and will be given a learning plan. After completing the exercises and passing the test, you will be certified.

2. Why should I get SAFe certified?

To become a part of a growing community of SAFe professionals, you need to be certified first. You should be interested in getting SAFe certified as it helps you to gain a thorough knowledge on scaled agile framework to work for large enterprises unlike scrum masters who can only cater the needs of a single agile team.

3. Can I provide SAFe training to others after I become a SAFe® 5.1 Program Consultants?

Yes, only certified SAFe trainers can provide coaching to other agile coaches to improve scalability at an enterprise-level.

Join our upcoming Implementing SAFe live online training: 27 Feb - 2 March (GMT). Two great trainers from the industry - Gaurav Rajwanshi (Business Agility Coach and SPCT Co-trainer) and Ashwinee Kalkura (SPCT and Professional Coach) will be conducting the session.

About Advance Agility

We, at Advance Agility, are the new-age Agile Coaching, Consulting, and IT services company. We enable end-to-end Digital Transformation. Agile execution is integral to our being. We are doing SAFe implementation with small, medium, and large organizations across the globe.

Our vision is to be the leading Agile execution player globally. To keep adding value at every process stage. We are on a mission to empower our clients and move from concept to cash in the shortest sustainable lead time by adopting the human-centric approach to business agility. Embracing change is in our DNA.

Things that keep us apart are Quicker and Seamless execution with End to end gamut of services. Our Global presence and Stellar Track Record give us an edge over our competitors.

Connect with us at advanceagility.com to learn about SAFe and SAFe Implementation. Write to us at contact@advanceagility.com for any agile training or consulting needs. We are always looking for competent agile trainers as well. So if you are the one or want to become one, do get in touch with us to that we can learn, grow and achieve together.