What else does the SAFe principle, unlock the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers, require besides purpose and mission?

A. Transparency

B. Minimum possible constraints

C. Incentive-based compensation

D. Innovation

The Correct Answer is

B. Minimum possible constraints

Explanation

The SAFe principle of unlocking the intrinsic motivation of knowledge workers, besides providing them with a clear purpose and mission, emphasizes creating an environment that fosters autonomy and mastery. The option that best aligns with this principle, in addition to purpose and mission, is Minimum possible constraints.

Why Minimum Possible Constraints?

Minimum Possible Constraints approach focuses on removing unnecessary barriers and enabling individuals and teams to exercise their creativity and problem-solving skills. By minimizing constraints, SAFe encourages organizations to trust their teams, gives them the autonomy to make decisions, and allows them the freedom to innovate. This environment fosters intrinsic motivation as workers feel empowered and responsible for their work, leading to higher engagement, satisfaction, and productivity.

Why Not the Other Options?

• Transparency: While transparency is indeed important in Agile and SAFe environments for building trust and enabling informed decision-making, it’s not explicitly highlighted as a requirement for unlocking intrinsic motivation in the same way that minimizing constraints is. Transparency supports motivation by ensuring that everyone understands the purpose, mission, and status of work, but on its own, it doesn’t directly empower individuals in their work.


• Incentive-based Compensation: Incentive-based compensation can sometimes motivate workers, but it addresses extrinsic rather than intrinsic motivation. SAFe’s focus on unlocking intrinsic motivation leans more towards creating meaningful work and environments that stimulate autonomy, mastery, and purpose, rather than relying on external rewards.


• Innovation: Innovation is a result of an environment where intrinsic motivation is high, rather than a prerequisite for it. When workers are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to innovate because they are engaged, curious, and committed to their work. However, the principle specifically calls for conditions that allow intrinsic motivation to flourish, which in turn facilitates innovation.

By focusing on reducing unnecessary constraints, SAFe aims to cultivate an environment where knowledge workers are motivated by their desire to learn, grow, and contribute to something meaningful, rather than being strictly driven by external rewards or hampered by restrictive rules. This approach aligns with the core Agile values of individuals and interactions over processes and tools, and responding to change over following a plan.

Other Leading SAFe 6.0 Question – When should new approaches be anchored in an organization’s culture?