How do Lean-Agile leaders lead by example?

Lean-Agile leaders lead by example by embodying and modeling the behaviors and mindset they expect from others. This is the essence of the "Lead by Example" dimension of the Lean-Agile Leadership competency. They internalize and apply the principles of the Lean-Agile Mindset, SAFe's Core Values, and the SAFe Principles in their decisions and actions. This authentic demonstration of SAFe's way of working inspires teams and guides the organizational culture toward a new norm, fostering an environment of trust, innovation, and relentless improvement.

A. Mandating new habits is a command-and-control approach, which is contrary to the Lean-Agile leadership style of empowering and coaching individuals and teams.
B. While leaders support the APMO, focusing on a single metric like velocity is too tactical and can lead to undesirable behaviors; it is not a holistic example of leadership.
D. Prioritizing solution intent is a specific product or solution management responsibility, not a broad representation of how a Lean-Agile leader models behavior for the entire organization.

1. Scaled Agile, Inc. (2023). Lean-Agile Leadership. Scaled Agile Framework. Retrieved from https://www.scaledagileframework.com/lean-agile-leadership/. Under the section "Lead by Example," it states, "Leaders must internalize and model SAFe’s Lean-Agile mindset, values, principles, and practices so that they are equipped to guide the organization."

2. Knaster, R., & Leffingwell, D. (2020). SAFe 5.0 Distilled: Achieving Business Agility with the Scaled Agile Framework. Addison-Wesley Professional. Chapter 10, "Lean-Agile Leadership," emphasizes that leaders must "exhibit the values and principles of Lean-Agile development."