We Need to Talk About SAFe: Why SAFe Agile Might Be Overcomplicating Agile Principles

While exploring new career opportunities, I decided to revisit something I had once left unfinished — the SAFe Agile certification. Years ago, I attended a SAFe class based on version 4, but I never mustered enough motivation to complete the exam. Now, with the framework at version 6, I finally pushed myself to finish it. In fact, I had to do it three times to bridge the gap between the older and newer versions.

During this journey, I witnessed firsthand how the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) has evolved. While at its core, SAFe claims to be grounded in Agile principles and values, the deeper you dive, the more questionable it becomes.

SAFe Is Aligned with Agile 

SAFe emphasizes core Agile concepts: self-organizing teams, leadership agility, and a customer-centric product development approach. These sound great — and they are. In theory, SAFe ticks all the right boxes. The ten SAFe principles seem aligned with Agile's spirit.

However, theory often diverges from practice.

When SAFe Becomes Overly Complex

The initial Essential SAFe diagram is already complex. Now add Large Solution, Portfolio, and Full SAFe levels, and the result is an overwhelming visual jungle. Compare this to something like Nexus, Scrum.org’s scaled Scrum framework — it’s much easier to understand and implement.

Here lies the problem: Agile vs SAFe vs Scrum isn't just a comparison of tools — it’s about clarity, adaptability, and practicality. While Scrum encourages simplification and autonomy, SAFe builds in more hierarchy and layers, which feels like a contradiction of the Agile ethos.

SAFe Is Not Agile – And Here's Why

Let’s be honest: SAFe is not Agile in its execution. It introduces layers of bureaucracy under the guise of scalability. The result? More roles, more meetings, more processes. Instead of reducing complexity, SAFe often amplifies it. And that’s not what Agile set out to do.

When implementing SAFe in big enterprises, the framework doesn’t empower teams as much as it seems to empower external consultants. That leads us to the next issue.

SAFe Agile Is a Waste of Time?

SAFe Agile demands so much specialized knowledge that companies often rely heavily on consultants. This dependency creates a system where continuous external support becomes essential — defeating the Agile principle of building self-sustaining teams. If you’ve ever browsed SAFe Agile Reddit, you’ll notice the mixed sentiments, many echoing this concern.

As someone who has worked with teams to adopt Scrum, my goal has always been to coach and exit — leaving teams empowered. But with SAFe, you feel trapped in a loop of consulting reliance.

The Certification Exam – A Test of Memory

Unlike certifications from the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad or the best Scrum training institute in India, where understanding core values and principles matters most, the SAFe exam is largely memory-based. It focuses on terminology rather than real-world application. You’ll need to memorize extensive terminology like “Learning Organization” dimensions or Enterprise Solution Delivery competencies just to pass.

This rote-learning approach overshadows what truly matters: Agile mindset and team collaboration.

The Language Barrier and Redundancy

Another issue? The Scaled Agile Framework uses unnecessarily complex vocabulary. Instead of saying “keep improving your deployed systems,” it says “continually evolve live systems.” This over-engineering of language creates a steep learning curve, especially for teams that are new to Agile.

Moreover, SAFe redundantly repeats concepts across its model. You’ll find ideas like continuous delivery and Agile leadership popping up under multiple categories, just reworded slightly.

Misusing Existing Frameworks

Perhaps the biggest red flag is how SAFe uses other Agile frameworks like Scrum, XP, Kanban, and DevOps, but modifies them beyond recognition. It adopts Scrum but refers to Sprints as “Iterations,” Daily Scrums as “Daily Stand-ups,” and even adds artificial gaps between Sprints — which goes against the Scrum principle of immediate continuity.

This misuse blurs clarity and misguides teams. It’s like renaming Agile terms just to suit SAFe’s design, which is both misleading and counterproductive.

I finally got SAFe certified. It does have some merits — it promotes customer-centricity and self-organizing teams on paper. But in reality, SAFe Agile tends to overcomplicate what should be simple. It appears more as a business model to sustain consulting engagements than a genuine Agile transformation strategy.

If you're serious about agility and team empowerment, you'd be better served by pursuing training through the best training institute in Hyderabad for Scrum — where simplicity, clarity, and true Agile culture are prioritized.

FAQs

1. Is SAFe Agile worth it?

It depends on your context. For large enterprises with complex structures, SAFe might offer structure. However, many believe SAFe Agile is a waste of time due to its complexity and heavy reliance on consultants.

2. Is SAFe truly Agile?

Not entirely. While SAFe vs Agile shows some overlaps in values, the execution of SAFe often contradicts core Agile principles like simplicity and team empowerment.

3. What is the main issue with the Scaled Agile Framework?

Its over-complication and heavy terminology. It makes Agile unnecessarily difficult and often confuses teams instead of empowering them.

4. Which is better: Scrum or SAFe?

For most teams, Scrum is easier to implement and fosters real agility. SAFe may suit large enterprises but often creates more challenges than it solves.

5. Can you implement SAFe without consultants?

Unlikely. Due to its complex structure, SAFe usually requires expert guidance, which raises implementation costs and creates dependency.

6. What’s the best way to learn Scrum in India?

Enroll in the best Scrum training institute in India that focuses on practical Agile implementation, hands-on coaching, and real-world examples.

7. How does SAFe differ from Nexus or LeSS?

Frameworks like Nexus and LeSS scale Scrum while preserving its simplicity. In contrast, SAFe introduces multiple layers and terminology, making it harder to adopt for many organizations.