Welcome to the first blog in our storyline-based series about the new guidance in the SAFe Big Picture. We will explore how each component contributes to a larger lean-agile narrative. Our first storyline introduces brand-new Portfolio Leadership guidance and shares the Portfolio storyline. The Portfolio storyline explains how to connect strategy to the delivery of solutions with Lean Portfolio Management. These stories are essential for lean-agile leaders and practitioners to consider and apply within their organizations. The Framework Team encourages you to read and share these stories as part of our Reimagining SAFe initiative.
Enhancing Portfolio Success with SAFe
SAFe Portfolios connect strategy and execution through Lean Portfolio Management, led by Portfolio Leadership. We’re excited to introduce new guidance on Portfolio Leadership as part of this connected SAFe Portfolio narrative. When combined with other elements of the Big Picture, Portfolio Leadership is crucial for delighting customers through high-quality solutions. It demonstrates how effective decision-making—from strategy and investment to delivery—can transform your organization.
All related Portfolio guidance articles will be enhanced over the upcoming months to be more readable, clear, and actionable. Today, however, you can see and share this storyline with the new Big Picture. A well-defined portfolio strategy is essential for aligning our work with the organization’s vision and serving our customers effectively through thoughtful product and service offerings. The portfolio strategy includes:
Strategic themes – These are vital portfolio-level objectives that translate our overall strategy into clear, measurable goals. They enhance communication and ensure Agile Teams and ARTs are aligned with broader organizational purposes.
Portfolio vision – A clear and inspiring portfolio vision outlines our desired future state, fostering engagement and creativity among teams. It serves as an aspirational yet realistic guide.
Funding value streams – Lean budgeting revolutionizes our financial approach by prioritizing funding for value streams instead of traditional projects. This method facilitates streamlined product value delivery and optimal resource allocation, supporting short-term and long-term Portfolios of products.
Delivering the desired outcomes of the portfolio strategy includes having a clear portfolio backlog, effectively coordinating and delivering across value streams, and delivering valuable solutions.
New SAFe Guidance: Portfolio Leadership
In an ever-evolving business landscape, cultivating a culture of daring leadership is essential for fostering courage within teams and organizations. Beginning with a powerful quote from Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead,” this latest Framework guidance explores the pivotal role of Portfolio Leadership in managing a SAFe Portfolio. These leaders, a diverse team of business, technology, and finance experts, are responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic vision and ensuring alignment with its goals. Together, they strive to deliver valuable business solutions that delight our customers.
The new Portfolio leadership guidance delves into behaviors, functional responsibilities, and forming an effective Portfolio Leadership team:
Modeling portfolio behaviors – Collaboration among members of a Portfolio Leadership team enhances decision-making capabilities and generates powerful solutions for customers. Portfolio Leaders exemplify the desired behaviors that contribute to this success. Continuous improvement as a team ensures that the Portfolio Leaders remain agile and responsive to the challenges they encounter.
The new guidance outlines each behavior, explaining its significance and detailing specific actions the team can take to embody these behaviors. These actions also promote the growth of the Lean Portfolio Management competency across value streams.
Exploring the functions of Portfolio Leadership highlights their responsibilities in maintaining a portfolio vision, formulating strategic themes, and managing a dynamic roadmap and backlog. This examination of modern portfolio management practices demonstrates how a well-structured approach can lead to sustained business success.
Building an effective Portfolio Leadership team – The role of Portfolio Leaders is essential in cultivating a culture of learning and transparency. The successful Portfolio Leadership team creates an environment where team members view mistakes as opportunities for growth, encouraging open discussions and addressing issues without fear of repercussions. The process of forming an effective Portfolio Leadership team is covered in the Portfolio Leadership guidance.
Explore these concepts further to gain clarity and enhance our collaboration to drive our strategic initiatives forward—with more connections, greater flow, and empowered teams.
— Rebecca and the Framework Team