If you’ve ever peeked into the world of Agile at scale, you’ve probably heard about SAFe, the Scaled Agile Framework. It’s everywhere, and many companies swear by it. But here’s the funny thing, a lot of Scrum purists, trainers, and thought leaders call it “Scrum-but” or even “unsafe.” Why? Let’s break it down.
SAFe Builds on Scrum
SAFe doesn’t ignore Scrum. At the team level, it says, “Nothing beats an Agile team,” and leans heavily on Scrum practices, daily standups, sprints (or iterations), and retrospectives. The magic (or chaos) happens at the program level. Here, SAFe introduces the Agile Release Train (ART), basically a team of teams. Coordinating multiple teams to deliver larger products is tricky, and that’s where many Scrum practitioners raise eyebrows.
Scrum Master in SAFe:
In traditional Scrum, the Scrum Master is a servant-leader: coaching the team, helping them self-organize, and shielding them from distractions. In SAFe, the Scrum Master also acts as a coordinator, a focal point during PI Planning, Scrum of Scrums, and other program-level events. It’s practical, yes, but it can limit team self-organization if not carefully balanced.
The good news? You can start with this “team lead” approach and evolve toward the classic Scrum Master stance over time. It’s a journey, not a fixed rule.
Product Owner in SAFe
SAFe splits product ownership:
- Product Management focuses on strategy and value optimization.
- Product Owner works closely with teams on stories.
Some feel the PO is less accountable, especially compared to Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) or Nexus, where the PO typically manages the entire backlog. The reality is nuanced: SAFe’s PO can work effectively if the roles and expectations are clearly understood.
Program Increments vs. Team Sprints
A common confusion: SAFe’s Program Increment (PI) is 8–12 weeks, leading people to ask, “Isn’t that too long? How is that Agile?” Team-level iterations remain 2 weeks long, with the same Scrum rituals. PIs align multiple teams, reduce coordination overhead, and still allow for learning and adaptation. It’s not about rigidly following a plan, it’s about balancing predictability with flexibility.
Predictability Meets Agility
SAFe emphasizes predictability through PI Planning, roadmaps, objectives, and confidence votes. But it also includes system demos, continuous integration, and innovation iterations to handle uncertainty.
You won’t get 100% predictability, no framework does. But SAFe helps large organizations make decisions without losing sight of Agile principles like empiricism and value delivery.
Integration and Hardening: Myths vs Reality
Some say SAFe delays integration until the end of a PI. Not true anymore. Continuous integration happens every iteration, with system demos every 2 weeks. PIs are for planning cadence and alignment, not a waterfall-style delay.
How Scrum Practitioners Can Succeed in SAFe?
Dive deeper into Scrum, even if implementing SAFe. SPCs (SAFe Program Consultants) and trainers should ideally hold PSM certifications or equivalent. Running workshops comparing SAFe roles to the Scrum Guide can help teams see gaps, adapt practices, and improve delivery. Continuous learning and reflection are key. At the end of the day, SAFe isn’t unsafe because it’s bad, it’s different. With awareness, experience, and a commitment to Scrum principles, teams can scale safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can SAFe still be Agile if it changes Scrum roles?
Yes. SAFe adapts Scrum roles to scale, but team-level Scrum practices remain intact. Awareness and gradual evolution are key.
How can a Scrum practitioner succeed in a SAFe environment?
Focus on strong Scrum knowledge, coaching, and helping teams self-organize. Learn SAFe principles but always reflect and adapt for your context.
