Revisiting Ancient Wisdom: Buddha’s Teachings Reflected in SAFe Six-Step Problem-Solving Workshop

The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) incorporates a structured six-step problem-solving workshop as part of its Inspect & Adapt (I&A) event. This workshop is designed to address systemic issues and drive continuous improvement within Agile Release Trains (ARTs). Interestingly, the principles underlying this modern problem-solving approach can be traced back to ancient teachings, particularly those of Buddha. The Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths—Dukkha (suffering), Samudaya (origin of suffering), Nirodha (cessation of suffering), and Magga (path to cessation)—offer a timeless framework for understanding and addressing problems. Let us explores how the six-step problem-solving workshop in SAFe is essentially “old wine in a new bottle,” reflecting these ancient principles.

Step 1: Agree on the Problem to Solve (Dukkha)

The first step in the SAFe problem-solving workshop is to clearly state and agree on the problem to solve. This aligns with the first Noble Truth, Dukkha, which acknowledges the existence of suffering or problems. In both contexts, recognizing and articulating the problem is crucial. Similar to how Buddha taught that recognizing the nature of suffering is the initial step towards liberation, SAFe underscores the necessity of precisely defining the problem to facilitate targeted investigation and effective solutions

Step 2: Apply Root-Cause Analysis and 5 Whys (Samudaya)

The second step involves applying root-cause analysis and the “5 Whys” technique to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying the problem. This mirrors the second Noble Truth, Samudaya, which identifies the origin or cause of suffering. By repeatedly asking “why,” teams can trace the problem back to its root cause, much like Buddha’s exploration of the causes of suffering. This step prevents superficial fixes and guarantees that the root cause of the problem is effectively addressed

Step 3: Identify the Biggest Root-Cause Using Pareto Analysis (Samudaya)

Continuing with the identification of causes, the third step uses Pareto analysis to narrow down the most significant root causes. This step further delves into Samudaya, focusing on the most impactful sources of the problem. The Pareto principle, or the 80/20 rule, helps teams prioritize their efforts by identifying the few causes that contribute to the majority of the problem. This focused approach prioritizes addressing the most critical issues first.

Step 4: Restate the New Problem (Nirodha)

Once the root causes are identified, the fourth step involves restating the problem in light of these insights. This step aligns with the third Noble Truth, Nirodha, which is about the cessation of suffering. By redefining the problem based on its root causes, teams can focus on solutions that lead to the cessation of the problem. This step is essential to ensure that solutions tackle the root cause of the issue, rather than merely addressing its symptoms.

Step 5: Brainstorm Solutions (Magga)

The fifth step is to brainstorm potential solutions to the restated problem. This corresponds to the fourth Noble Truth,

Step 6: Identify Improvement Backlog Items (Magga)

The final step is to identify the most promising solutions and convert them into actionable improvement backlog items. This step also aligns with

Final Thoughts

The six-step problem-solving workshop in SAFe is a structured approach to addressing systemic issues and driving continuous improvement. However, its underlying principles are not new. They reflect the timeless wisdom of Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths. By acknowledging the problem (