What is meant by the SAFe principle of 'Apply Systems Thinking'?
Apply Systems Thinking is one of the basic principles of SAFe that drives value. Interviewers ask this question to ensure a candidate understands the need to consider the systems, people, and the organization itself as a system when developing solutions.
Remember to include the three main parts of the principle. The goal of Apply Systems Thinking is to leverage a holistic approach to product development, and including all of the parts of the principle in your response will communicate that you understand the big picture perspective that drives this principle.
"Apply Systems Thinking is a principle that aims to encourage organizations to take a holistic approach to solutions development. There are three main aspects of this principle. The first is that the solution itself is a system. Solution designers need to consider the whole of a system when working on any given component. That includes the entire architecture and integration points.
The second aspect of Apply Systems Thinking is to understand that the people, the management, and the organization building the solution are also a system. Solution designers need to consider the social, political, and organizational factors involved. They need to strive to develop cross-functional workflows.
The third aspect of Apply Systems Thinking is to understand and optimize the development value stream. Having awareness of how to develop solutions in the most efficient way possible contributes to the fastest delivery of value."
