In 30 seconds
- Small teams linked by trust and shared awareness.
- Decisions pushed down; information shared widely.
- SAFe uses the phrase for an Agile Release Train.
Origins
General Stanley McChrystal described the model in Team of Teams (2015), based on transforming a US military task force to respond faster to a networked enemy.
Two key ideas
- Shared consciousness: everyone sees the big picture through radical transparency and regular cross-team briefings
- Empowered execution: decisions pushed to those with the information
In agile scaling
SAFe describes an Agile Release Train as a team of agile teams. The idea also underpins Scrum of Scrums and cross-team collaboration.
Myth vs reality
Myth · Team of teams means one giant team.
Reality · It's a network of small teams.
Myth · Shared awareness means more meetings.
Reality · It means better, broader information flow.
Myth · It only fits the military.
Reality · Businesses use it widely.
FAQ
What's a liaison in this model?
A person embedded in another team to build connections.
How does it relate to agile?
It shares agile's focus on empowerment and transparency.
Where do we start?
Open up information flow between teams.