How can trust be gained between the business and development?

A. Deliver predictability

B. Maintain Iterations as a safe zone for the team

C. Automate the delivery pipeline

D. Release new value to production every day

The Correct Answer is

A. Deliver predictability

Explanation

Deliver Predictability stands out as a foundational way to gain trust between the business and development teams. Predictability in delivery is crucial because it sets a reliable rhythm for the business to plan around, reducing uncertainties and aligning expectations. Here’s how it fosters trust and impacts the organization:

Why Deliver Predictability?

• Reliability: When the development team delivers work predictably, the business side can rely on the timelines and quality of deliverables. This reliability forms the basis of trust, as business stakeholders know what to expect and when.


• Planning and Strategy: Predictable delivery enables better strategic planning on the business side. Knowing when features or products will be ready allows for more effective market strategies, customer support preparation, and sales training. This alignment is critical for achieving business objectives.


• Risk Management: Predictability in delivery also means that risks are identified and communicated early. This proactive approach to risk management reassures the business that potential issues are being addressed before they escalate, further building trust.


• Resource Optimization: With predictable delivery schedules, resources can be allocated more efficiently. The business can plan for marketing campaigns, sales initiatives, and customer support based on the development timeline, optimizing the use of resources and maximizing ROI.

How to Achieve Predictable Delivery?

• Realistic Planning: Start with realistic planning that takes into account the team’s capacity, past performance, and potential blockers. Use data from previous sprints or projects to inform future estimates.


• Continuous Feedback Loop: Establish a continuous feedback loop between the business and development teams. This ensures that both sides are aligned on priorities, changes, and expectations. Regular check-ins and updates help adjust plans as needed, maintaining predictability.


• Embrace Agile Principles: Agile methodologies emphasize adaptability, but they also support predictability through consistent iteration lengths and review/retrospective processes. These structures help teams adjust while providing a predictable framework for delivery.


• Focus on Quality and Technical Excellence: Ensuring that the development process includes time for refactoring, addressing technical debt, and focusing on quality assurance can lead to more predictable outcomes. High-quality work reduces the need for rework, which can disrupt schedules.

In summary, delivering predictability requires a concerted effort across the planning, communication, and execution phases. It’s about setting realistic expectations, managing risks proactively, and aligning development outputs with business goals. By achieving predictability in delivery, the development team can significantly enhance trust with business stakeholders, leading to a more collaborative and effective partnership.

Other Leading SAFe 6.0 Question – What is one example of differentiating business objectives?