Courses Do you feel Agile scaling is complicated? Let us look into Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS), a Scaled Agile Framework that makes Agile scaling simple and straightforward, with fewer roles, focusing on one product, and using lean thinking. See why it’s gaining traction!
Many organisations have employed Agile Frameworks, as we observe various team structures, particularly large organisations that invest in Agile Frameworks to optimise operations. Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) is often among the top contenders with SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). While both serve large-scale Agile implementations, their principles and methodologies significantly differ. This is where Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) feeds into the picture. This blog post will describe how LeSS operates, compare LeSS vs SAFe, explain how this framework contributes to agility improvement, discuss LeSS principles and how it supports an agile transformation process in large organizations and lastly shed light on how ValueX2, SAFe’s Silver Partner, can empower working professionals with Agile courses.
What is Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS)?
Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) is an extension of the Scrum framework for scaling Agile across multiple teams that work on a single product. It is a framework that applies scrum for large-scale product development across several teams. It adopts a mindset of simplicity, keeps avoiding complexity and considers how to take agile far across organizations. LeSS places emphasis on collaboration between cross-functional teams to realize alignment and efficiency.
CONFUSED ABOUT WHICH FRAMEWORK IS RIGHT FOR YOU? CHECK OUT SCALED AGILE FRAMEWORK
Important Features of the LeSS Framework
- Scaling with Simplicity: LeSS recommends that Agile principles be kept intact while scaling without over-complicating it.
- Single Product Focus: Several teams working on one Product Backlog to simplify priorities and goals.
- Reduced Roles: It retains the three core Scrum roles – Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development, making the framework lightweight.
- Empirical Process Control: It relies heavily on feedback loops for iterative improvement.
However, the simplified approach has made LeSS a challenge in complex organisational hierarchies.
Why Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) Framework is Better Than Traditional Scrum?
Even though Scrum is efficient for one team only, it is not very efficient when it comes to one group or several departments. The Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) Framework does this by preserving the essence of Scrum but adapting practices for bigger and cross-team contexts. Another important characteristic of LeSS is that mainly all teams operate from one product backlog. This makes work dissemination more harmonized and allows for easier coordination of different teams.
What are the Key Principles of LeSS?
Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) have some principles guiding its implementation. These are:
1. Transparency
LeSS encourages teams, stakeholders, and leadership to be open with each other in terms of alignment.
2. Empirical Process Control
LeSS is designed to be more iterative and responsive to change with frequent inspections and adaptations.
3. Systems Thinking
Teams need to understand the organisation as a whole and provide solutions for systemic issues, not just isolated problems.
4. Customer-Centricity
LeSS helps you focus on delivering maximum value to the customer through continuous delivery and collaboration.
5. Lean Thinking
This emphasizes how one can eliminate the unnecessary time that is spent on doing something and instead focus on value-oriented tasks and activities.
What Are the Key Differences Between Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) and SAFe?
The duel between LeSS and SAFe in the context of agile scaling shows us how things work in different frameworks. SAFe is a structured framework giving out instructions and procedures. The third type is for organizations that require some degree of order and governance in compliance with the legislation. LeSS, however, concentrates on simplicity and agility most of which should be provided by the teams on their own.
| Feature | LeSS | SAFe |
| Focus Area | Lightweight, team-level collaboration | Comprehensive enterprise alignment |
| Roles and Structure | Minimal roles | Highly defined roles and hierarchies |
| Scalable | Available for only a few teams | Scales on several portfolios |
| Adoption Complexity | Easier for small organisations | Tailored for large, complex setups |
| Training Support | Limited certification options | Multiple certification options |
How Can LeSS Improve Organizational Agility?
LeSS fosters change by enhancing the ability of the organization to adapt quickly to change as it is good organizational agility. It makes sure that all the teams are focused on aiming to offer the highest customer value free from excessive procedural complexity to compete and survive. Sourcing also involves teams in LeSS to self-manage thus encouraging innovation and fast decisions.
What Are the Common Challenges in Implementing LeSS?
- Cultural Resistance: Teams accustomed to traditional hierarchies may resist the flat, autonomous nature of LeSS.
- Coordination Across Teams: Having several teams tackling one backlog is not bad but they should be coordinated well to avoid coming up with issues such as creating dependencies and getting to be a bottleneck.
- Scaling Issues: LeSS should be implemented in organizations which already have good practice in Scrum because when scaling, it requires a lot of structure.
How Does Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS) Support Cross-Functional Teams?
The LeSS Framework focuses on the cross-functional teams as a vital part of the organization, offering a variety of skills and managing the problem-solving process together. Continuing with the idea of team accountability in LeSS, delivering end-to-end product features allows for the development of dual-role specialists including developers, testers and product owners. This cross-sectional strategy reduces interdependency of these teams, thereby ensuring that there are shortened development cycles, and the final product is of better quality.
Check out our blog section to learn more about Large-Scale Scrum (LeSS).
Why SAFe is a Better Choice for Enterprises?
SAFe stands out as it has an elaborate and flexible structure, which makes it favourable for organisations undertaking large-scale transformation.
1. Enterprise-Wide Strategic Alignment
One of the very strong points of SAFe is integrating the whole organisation under one unified vision. It ensures that cross-team, cross-departmental, and cross-level seamless collaboration results in the alignment of everyone toward the strategic goals of the organisations. This helps in abolishing silos and encouraging cross-functional communication in addition to creating a cohesive roadmap that drives both innovation and execution.
For example, SAFe’s Portfolio Management practices link business strategy to execution, ensuring that every initiative directly contributes to organisational objectives. This tight integration across all levels of the enterprise enhances transparency and accountability and creates a culture where every team understands its role in the bigger picture.
2. Designed to Tackle Complexity with Configurable Solutions
SAFe is tailor-made for handling complex large-scale operations with multiple configurations to suit the uniqueness of every organisation. The options under it include:
- Essential SAFe: Best suited for small organisations or those embarking on Agile scaling.
- Large Solution SAFe: Suitable for enterprises managing multiple interconnected systems or value streams.
- Portfolio SAFe: Designed to align investments with strategic goals, best suited for enterprise planning.
- Full SAFe: A comprehensive approach for large organisations dealing with multiple portfolios and value streams.
This configurability makes SAFe adaptable for businesses across the spectrum of industries, whether in IT, finance, healthcare, or manufacturing. It scales effortlessly to support both small Agile teams and large, distributed organisations with thousands of employees.
3. A Culture of Continuous Learning
SAFe gives a culture of relentless improvement with its emphasis on learning and growth. Through the adoption of a mindset of continuous learning, enterprises ensure that teams and leadership keep ahead in a competitive market.
The framework provides an expansive ecosystem of certifications including Leading SAFe, SAFe Scrum Master, and SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager as well as proven techniques to achieve success in Agile. This enables agile teams to carry out Agile practices by providing a culture of innovation and adaptability.
SAFe also includes built-in feedback loops such as Inspect and Adapt (I&A) sessions and Program Increment (PI) Planning for continuous refinement and alignment with organisational goals.
4. An Established Industry Framework
SAFe has gained a reputation as a proven, scalable framework in diverse industries, having been adopted by Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike as a means of producing significant gains in productivity, time to market, and product quality.
Case studies persistently note measurable outcome benefits associated with SAFe, including:
- Up to 50% shorter delivery times.
- Higher level of team engagement and higher employee satisfaction levels.
- Increased predictability and reliability for project outcomes.
This widespread adoption and proven results make SAFe a highly reliable choice for organisations seeking a framework that is not only effective but also along with a real-world success story.
Why Enterprises Prefer SAFe More Than Any Other Framework
Unlike frameworks like LeSS, which concentrate on lightweight principles, an approach that works well only for small teams, SAFe provides a systematic approach to scaling Agile practices end-to-end through its structure. A holistic, team, program, and portfolio layer design offers Agile tools and methodologies to align every layer of the organisation with its business objectives.
By connecting Agile theory with practice, SAFe provides what all business value enterprises most today: scalability, adaptability, and measurable business value.
What’s More To Know?
ValueX2 has a comprehensive training environment designed specifically for Agile professionals.
1. Complete Training Programs
From Leading SAFe to SAFe Product Owner/working professional, ValueX2 delivers all the major modules of SAFe with rigorous foundational courses.
2. Pragmatic Insights
ValueX2 applies real-world case studies, and therefore professionals can apply the principles of SAFe perfectly in real-world organisations.
3. Better Career Opportunities
SAFe-certified professionals are in huge demand, cutting across industries in IT, manufacturing, and finance sectors.
4. Continuous Learning
After receiving certification ValueX2 has continuous learning opportunities through webinars, workshops, and networking events.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you choose between Large Scale Scrum (LeSS) or the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), the goal is to strengthen team collaboration and provide delivery of business value. ValueX2 is your ally in this endeavour, with effective training programs and industry recognition as a Silver Partner with SAFe.
Start your Agile journey today by checking out ValueX2’s courses for a truly sustainable impact in your organisation.
FAQs
1. What is the main difference between LeSS and SAFe?
While LeSS is a lightweight scaling for smaller setups, SAFe provides an all-inclusive enterprise framework for wide-scale Agile transformations.
2. Is it tougher to implement SAFe or LeSS?
SAFe can be complex with defined roles and configurations but provides better scalability and alignment for large enterprises.
3. Can LeSS work in non-software industries?
Indeed, LeSS can be applied to practically any industry that would find value in completely mastering the principles of agility because it translates well between industries.
4. Which one of the two frameworks is more suitable for startups?
Startups often benefit from LeSS due to its simplicity. However, SAFe’s adaptability can also suit growing startups with complex needs.
5. Why is SAFe gaining more popularity than LeSS?
A SAFe’s comprehensive structure, proven success, and extensive training ecosystem make it a preferred choice for enterprises.
Bhavna is an Agile Coach and Consultant with over a decade of experience in advisory, corporate finance, IT assurance, and operations at Big 4 and within the industry in the UK and India. She has recently been the CEO of a start-up where she implemented agile practices within HR, Marketing, and Product teams.
She is also a SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) and authorized instructor for ICAgile Agility in HR (ICP-AHR), Agility in Marketing (ICP-MKG), and Business Agility Foundations (ICP – BAF) training courses. She provides training for agile transformation to corporate, public, and private batches, as well as consulting for enterprise agile transformation.
