Considering SAFe Advanced Scrum Master Certification for Mastering Agile Proficiency? Ready to Take the Leap?

Embarking on the journey to become a SAFe Advanced Scrum Master was not just a certification pursuit for me; it was a commitment to continuous improvement and elevating my Agile expertise. In this blog post, I share my experiences in clearing the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master certification, comparing it with my SAFe Scrum Master journey, and the key learnings that I intend to bring to my team.

Daily 20-Minute Commitment

Shifting away from my previous study habits during school and college, characterized by last-minute cramming before exams, my mindset has undergone a significant transformation since entering the agile space. Embracing a proactive approach, I now commit a consistent 20 minutes each day to focused study, allowing for a gradual absorption of content. This adjustment aligns seamlessly with the Agile principle of delivering value incrementally and maintaining a sustainable pace.

Identifying Areas for Improvement

One big lesson I learned as a SAFe Scrum Master was the importance of knowing myself better i.e self awareness. Before going for the Advanced Scrum Master certification, I took a good look at where I could get better. I focused on improving how I lead meetings, handle conflicts, and step up as a leader. This way, my preparation was spot-on, helping me grow in the areas that matter most to my career.

Comparing SAFe Scrum Master and Advanced Scrum Master

While the SAFe Scrum Master certification provides a solid foundation in Agile and Scrum practices, the Advanced Scrum Master certification takes it a step further. It delves into advanced concepts such as Lean-Agile principles, lean thinking tools, and DevOps practices, providing a more comprehensive understanding of Agile at scale and organizational challenges.

Key Learnings for Team Transformation

a. Moving from T to E Skilled:

• Encouraging the team to transition from being "T" skilled (having expertise in a single area) to "E" skilled (embracing cross-functional capabilities) is essential. This aligns with Agile values, promoting collaboration and flexibility within the team.

b. Pair Working:

• Introducing pair working fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing. It enhances the collective intelligence of the team, encourages continuous learning, and improves problem-solving capabilities.

c. Work in Progress (WIP):

• Managing work in progress is a critical Agile practice. Limiting WIP ensures that the team focuses on completing tasks before taking on new ones, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall efficiency.

d. Adding Retro in Team Backlog:

Incorporating retrospectives into the team backlog emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement. It ensures that the team regularly reflects on their processes, identifies areas for enhancement, and adapts their approach iteratively.

Recommendations for Certification:

The SAFe Advanced Scrum Master certification is ideal for Agile practitioners seeking a deeper understanding of Lean-Agile principles and the ability to navigate complex organizational challenges. It is particularly beneficial for those aspiring to take on roles such as Release Train Engineer (RTE) in scaled Agile environments.

Conclusion:

The journey toward securing the SAFe Advanced Scrum Master certification has been a truly transformative experience, not only enriching my knowledge but also providing invaluable insights for steering my team towards heightened agility. By emphasizing consistent, incremental efforts and a keen focus on areas of improvement, I am applying these principles to shape my leadership approach as I progress in my career.

As I carry these lessons forward, I am enthusiastic about the positive impact they will have on my team's journey toward evolving into a more adaptive, collaborative, and high-performing Agile unit. It's worth noting that this certification pursuit was a strategic recommendation from my manager, aligning seamlessly with my career aspirations and leadership goals.