As part of our continuous learning journey on safeagile.com.au, we tackle an often-overlooked aspect of team dynamics in SAFe: the underlying causes of team conflicts. One key element? Unexamined assumptions.
Unexamined Assumptions as Conflict Catalysts
Unexamined assumptions are beliefs or ideas taken as truths without verification. In a SAFe setting, these assumptions can lead to misunderstandings, misalignments, and eventually, conflicts. For example, assuming that all team members have the same understanding of a project’s goals can lead to friction when this isn’t the case.
Addressing the Issue
To mitigate conflicts arising from unexamined assumptions, it’s crucial to foster open communication and encourage team members to voice their understandings and beliefs. This can be facilitated through regular retrospectives and open forums where assumptions can be brought to light and examined collectively.
In conclusion, understanding and addressing unexamined assumptions is key to resolving and preventing team conflicts in SAFe. It’s about creating an environment where assumptions are not just made but explored and clarified, leading to better team cohesion and collaboration.