Description

Introduction

Systems Thinking in SAFe 6.0 enables organizations to view solutions, teams, value streams, and processes as interconnected components of a larger enterprise system. This training helps participants understand how to optimize the whole rather than individual parts, reduce delays, eliminate bottlenecks, and align teams toward continuous value delivery. By integrating Systems Thinking with SAFe 6.0 principles, professionals gain the skills required to drive Lean-Agile transformation across products, portfolios, and enterprise environments.

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of Agile and Lean principles

• Familiarity with SAFe concepts at a foundational level

• Experience working in product development, program management, or enterprise transformation

• Optional: SAFe Agilist or Practitioner-level knowledge

Table of Contents

1. Systems Thinking Fundamentals

 1.1 Understanding Systems, Elements & Interdependencies
 1.2 Feedback Loops, Delays & System Behavior
 1.3 Common System Archetypes in Organizations
 1.4 Mental Models and Decision-Making
 1.5 Optimizing the Whole vs Local Optimization

2. Systems Thinking in SAFe 6.0

 2.1 Alignment with SAFe Lean-Agile Principles
 2.2 Role of Systems Thinking in Value Streams
 2.3 Understanding ARTs as Complex Socio-Technical Systems
 2.4 Applying Systems Thinking to PI Planning
 2.5 Building Resilient and Adaptive Systems

3. Designing Value Streams Using Systems Thinking

 3.1 End-to-End Value Stream Mapping
 3.2 Identifying Constraints and Waste
 3.3 Flow Optimization Techniques for SAFe Teams
 3.4 Scaling Value Streams Across Portfolios
 3.5 Continuous Value Delivery Across ARTs

4. Systems Thinking Tools & Models

 4.1 Causal Loop Diagrams
 4.2 Stock and Flow Diagrams
 4.3 Root Cause Analysis Methods
 4.4 Systemic Problem-Solving Approaches
 4.5 Using Modeling Tools in SAFe Environments

5. Applying Systems Thinking to Lean-Agile Leadership

 5.1 Leaders as System Architects
 5.2 Enabling Team Empowerment & Decentralized Decision-Making
 5.3 Systemic Organizational Culture & Behaviors
 5.4 Coaching Teams to Think Systemically
 5.5 Leadership Anti-Patterns & System Failures

6. Systems Thinking for Product & Solution Development

 6.1 Understanding Solution Intent and System Context
 6.2 Architectural Runway & System Design
 6.3 Managing Dependencies Across Teams
 6.4 Ensuring System Quality and Compliance
 6.5 System-Level Metrics for Product Success

7. Systems Thinking in SAFe Portfolio Management

 7.1 Connecting Strategy to Execution Systemically
 7.2 Lean Budgeting and Guardrails
 7.3 Portfolio Kanban as a System
 7.4 Identifying Portfolio-Level Bottlenecks
 7.5 Continuous Governance Through Systems Thinking

8. Systems Thinking to Improve Flow & Reduce Bottlenecks

 8.1 Flow Metrics & Flow Predictability
 8.2 Understanding Queues, Delays & Batch Sizes
 8.3 Managing System-Wide Risks
 8.4 Eliminating Systemic Impediments
 8.5 Predictive Tools for Flow Optimization

9. Real-World Applications & Case Studies

 9.1 Systems Thinking in Large-Scale Transformations
 9.2 Case Study: ART Performance Improvement
 9.3 Case Study: Portfolio Alignment Using Systems Thinking
 9.4 Practical Exercises & Team Workshops
 9.5 Mapping Systemic Improvement Roadmaps

10. Building a Systems Thinking Culture

 10.1 Continuous Learning & Improvement Cycles
 10.2 Embedding Systems Thinking in Daily Work
 10.3 Cross-Functional Collaboration Strategies
 10.4 Organizational Policies Supporting Systemic Thinking
 10.5 Creating a Self-Sustaining Lean-Agile Ecosystem

This training helps participants develop a holistic mindset to optimize systems across the organization while ensuring alignment with SAFe 6.0 practices. By mastering Systems Thinking, individuals and teams can enhance flow, solve systemic issues, and accelerate enterprise-wide Lean-Agile transformation with lasting impact.