"The journey to get there isn’t easy. The outcomes, when it works, are pretty amazing and unbelievable, but you’ll find a whole new set of problems you never imagined could go wrong"

Eric Willeke

With the initial arc complete, this episode adopts a new perspective triggered by our conversations at the SAFe Summit in Berlin. We step into the shoes of portfolio members, embarking on a lean journey. The conversation begins by exploring how their first steps into lean portfolio management will look different from your first steps into agility. As the episode unfolds, we delve into the changes you might anticipate, from shifting boundaries and constraints to evolving events and workflow. We also explore how the relationship with senior stakeholders will transform, requiring greater ownership, self-discipline, and proactivity. The conversation highlights the importance of patience and empathy for yourself and those leading the portfolio as everyone navigates this uncharted territory. As with any significant change, there will be moments of discomfort and uncertainty, but the potential for growth and increased collaboration is immense.

In this episode, we cover:

• (00:00) Introduction
• (03:12) What are some differences between beginning the portfolio journey and beginning the team or team-of-teams journey?
• (11:10) What are some of the first changes you might expect as the portfolio you’re a part of starts its lean journey?
• (16:11) How might your constraints change
• (23:29) What sort of changes might you see in portfolio events?
• (29:12) What about the flow of work?
• (34:05) How should your connection to senior stakeholders change?
• (37:35) What shift might you experience in the expectations between you and your portfolio?
• (44:29) Which growth challenges might you encounter as a leader?
• (46:34) What should start to disappear?
• (55:45) How does the dynamic change when the portfolio is no longer the police?
• (1:02:33) What if it looks like they’re making mistakes?

Cast:

Eric Willeke

Mark Richards