Why do Lean-Agile leaders try to connect the silos of business, software, test, and quality assurance?

Lean-Agile leaders focus on breaking down functional silos to organize teams around the flow of value. SAFe Principle #10, "Organize around value," guides leaders to create cross-functional Agile Release Trains (ARTs). These ARTs comprise all the people—business, development, testing, operations, etc.—needed to define, build, test, and release value to the customer. This structure optimizes for the smooth flow of value delivery by fostering collaboration, reducing handoffs, and aligning everyone toward a common set of objectives, rather than optimizing for functional expertise in isolation.

A. The goal is to break down organizational boundaries and silos, not enforce them, to improve the flow of value.
C. The aim is to optimize horizontal communication across the value stream, not just vertical communication within functional hierarchies.
D. The intent is to reduce friction and delays caused by handoffs between teams, thereby improving collaboration and flow.

1. Scaled Agile, Inc. (2023). SAFe Principle #10 – Organize around value. Scaled Agile Framework. Retrieved from https://www.scaledagileframework.com/organize-around-value/. (This article directly explains the principle of breaking down silos to align everyone needed to deliver value).

2. Scaled Agile, Inc. (2023). Lean-Agile Leadership. Scaled Agile Framework. Retrieved from https://www.scaledagileframework.com/lean-agile-leadership/. (This competency describes how leaders drive this change, including organizing around value).