Scaled Agile Framework, or SAFe for short, is an enterprise-wide set of organizational patterns to support agile workflows. A collection of knowledge known as the framework provides direction on duties, responsibilities, organizing and managing work, and respectable ideals.

The SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) is a change agent who combines technical knowledge of the SAFe principles with willingness and dedication to enhancing the software and development processes of the organization. Creating an Agile Release Train (ART), implementing Lean Portfolio Management techniques, and building a SAFe implementation are some of their areas of competency.

What Do You Mean By SPC?

The SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) takes the lead in this transition. The task of founding the new organization falls to you as an SPC. SAFe Practice consultant helps colleagues transition into their new jobs during SAFe training. After initiating the process, SPC ensures that everyone keeps moving forward and keeps up the momentum they have created.

A clear future vision and solid internal support are essential for the achievement of significant organizational reforms. According to SAFe Principles, the implementation of SAFe can only be successful if there is adequate engagement and collaboration among participants.

Roles And Responsibilities Of The SAFe® Practice Consultant

Explore this further by examining the SAFe® Practice Consultant’s Roles and Responsibilities.

1. A SPC is a Transformation Leader: 

Just as an experienced traveler utilizes a map and compass to navigate unknown territory, an SPC is a compass for organizations undergoing Agile transformations. They are leaders and implementers, laying out a blueprint for how businesses might reorganize, retrain, and revitalize their workplace cultures.

Imagine a ship that is too old to use maps and tools from the present day to navigate modern waters. The staff is dedicated and diligent, yet they need help finding a lot. In today's fast-paced corporate environment, many firms feel that way. The SPC takes on the role of the contemporary navigator, bringing cutting-edge instruments like GPS and current charts to guarantee the ship sails smoothly and arrives at its intended location.

2. SPC is a skilled coach and trainer:

Serving as an educator, a SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC) conducts coaching sessions, workshops, and courses on the roles, practices, and principles of SAFe. They convey practical strategies in addition to theoretical notions. It ensures that teams have the information to manage their Agile journey properly.

The fundamental component of a strong SPC is to make studying fun rather than merely a chore by dissecting the intricacies of SAFe into manageable, accessible chunks.

3. SPC is an Agent of Change:

Transformation is more than just putting procedures in place; it's a mentality shift. Therefore, through SAFe transformation, the SPC (SAFe® Practice Consultant) should help the organization adopt a new perspective. A successful Agile transformation requires a cultural shift fostered by a SAFe® Practice Consultant (SPC). It is about mindsets as much as processes, as I have indicated.

They collaborate closely with teams and leadership to overcome obstacles, ease anxieties, and replace antiquated procedures with a continuous improvement culture. Organizations also develop "habits” ingrained in customs and beliefs that may no longer be beneficial. 

4. An internal consultant is SPC.

SAFe® Practice Consultants (SPCs) do more than only provide leadership and training; they also act as internal consultants. In addition to assisting in identifying value streams, building up Agile Release Trains (ARTs), and establishing Lean Portfolio Management, they are involved in strategic planning.

When creating solutions suited to the particular problems and objectives of the business, their extensive understanding of SAFe and organizational dynamics is essential.

Responsibilities-

1. Educate Managers, Leaders, And Executives

They give orientation and summary training, as well as new concept introduction. SPCs provide Leading SAFe and Leading in the Digital Age series modules to executives, managers, and stakeholders.

2. Launching ART and providing team training 

SPCs usually oversee or assist with a "quickstart" or other rollout strategy steps. In addition to participating in the first crucial activities like Program Increment Planning and Inspection and Adaptation (I&A), they provide teams with training or instruction. The SPCs participate in scheduling Team and ART events and determining when ART will launch.

3. ART implementation with coaching

Stakeholders and coaches design and maintain the program's vision, road map, and backlog. Teams, Product Owners, Architects, Product Managers, and Real-Time Engineers are among the people they coach. They continue to enhance identified items, facilitate I&A, and work on Scrum of Scrums and System Demos. 

They support teams in creating DevOps cultures and attitudes, strongly emphasizing infrastructure, automated testing procedures, and continuous delivery pipelines.

4. Enhanced momentum 

Post-launch and Lean Portfolio Management adoption are only two milestones in a safe journey. Contributing to their organization's agility requires a lean expert to be informed about each of the seven Lean Enterprise capabilities. Businesses can examine their current business agility by using Measure & Grow assessments. 

SPCs assist firms in developing action plans for enterprises, but they can also help enterprises create plans for growth across all 21 SAFe skills.

Who Can Become A SAFe® Practice Consultant?

Managers in an organization may find it appropriate to implement the SAFe training. As part of an enterprise's Lean-Agile change strategy, leaders or consultants should often become SAFe SPCs in charge of implementing Agile initiatives.

In addition to program and project managers, executives, managers, change agents, analysts, consultants, agile coaches, scrum masters, and anybody assisting with the SAFe implementation are examples of professionals who can be SPCs.

Benefits Of Becoming A SAFe® Practice Consultant

For individuals working in Agile environments, here are some SAFe® Practice Consultant Benefits:

1. Depth of knowledge and proficiency

Getting certified as an SPC has many benefits, chief among them the breadth of experience and depth of knowledge it offers, as well as the chance to get real-world implementation experience. SPC is an expert in the intricacies of Lean, Agile, and Product Development Flow concepts, as well as the SAFe.

2. Professional Advancement

One more significant benefit of becoming a SAFe® Practice Consultant is professional development. Getting the certification is an obvious way to show the Agile community how committed you are to your growth and ongoing education. You may stay current with industry trends and remain relevant in the ever-changing corporate landscape by reskilling and upskilling.

3. Career Advancement

The industry recognizes the significance of SAFe® Practice Consultants, which makes the position highly sought after. An SPC can pursue various career paths, particularly in large organizations and corporations engaged in complicated projects. Gaining the certification makes it possible to apply for jobs at a higher level and earn more money.

4. Opportunities for networking

The networking opportunities that come with becoming an SPC are another essential benefit. After earning the certification, you join an exclusive group of Agile and SAFe professionals. It is a fantastic opportunity to connect, work together, and exchange ideas with top SAFe practitioners and Agile experts globally.

Connect with the proper community of people by using the SAFe community. Furthermore, because the SPC community is smaller than other groups (such as CSM certified OR SAFe Agilist), they have more opportunities to network with excellent SPCs worldwide.

5. Role of influence and leadership

You will play an extraordinary leadership and influence role as an SPC within your company. Prepare to lead an Agile-Lean transformation and effect significant change inside your company.

The role will significantly improve your leadership, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills, which typically include mentoring and influencing teams and leaders throughout the organization.

Boost Your SAFe Journey: Gain SPC Certification Training

Are you prepared to advance in your role as a SAFe® Practice Consultant? Explore the Implementing SAFe® 6.0 with SPC Certification Training offered by Simpliaxis. Discover the crucial positions and duties listed above to expand your knowledge. Get special perks like earning 32 PDUs and 32 SEUs, professional test assistance, and a free one-year membership to the SAFe Community. Take advantage of this chance to advance your abilities to new levels. Accept change, grow professionally, and become an esteemed SAFe practitioner. Come along for a life-changing experience now!

Final Verdict

Understanding these new and altered roles is a significant investment, especially if you have already committed to implementing SAFe inside your organization. The SPC function serves as the foundation of every SAFe-enabled endeavor.

Adopting the new role does not have to be a one-time project, as with any changes. If you can implement appropriate little adjustments gradually, your SPC community will benefit sooner than you might have anticipated. The SPC is responsible for establishing the new organization and spearheading the SAFe implementation under the SAFe principles.

FAQs

1. How do RTE and SPC differ from one another?

While the SPC focuses on coaching and guiding organizations in the adoption and deployment of the SAFe framework, the RTE is responsible for the successful execution of the Agile Release Train.

Suggested questions:

What is the role of SAFe practice consultant?

Who is eligible for SPC certification?

Is SAFe practice consultant certification in demand?

1. What is the role of a SAFe practice consultant?

SAFe Practice Consultants are qualified change agents, and their role is to bring to bear both their technical expertise in SAFe and a strong internal drive to enhance the organization's systems, software, and Agile business procedures.

2. Who is eligible for SPC certification?

As part of an enterprise Lean-Agile change strategy, leaders or consultants who oversee the implementation of Agile programs might be eligible for the designation of SAFe SPC.

3. Is SAFe practice consultant certification in demand?

Yes, this certification gives you a competitive edge in the job market and sets you apart from other Agile professionals. This is because there is an increasing demand for SAFe Practice Consultants.