When should new approaches be embedded in an organization's culture?

Embedding new approaches in an organization's culture is essential for ensuring that changes are sustainable and integrated into everyday practices. When new work habits emerge, they typically stem from the adoption of Agile methodologies, like SAFe, which aim to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and responsiveness. As teams begin to adopt these new methodologies, their behaviors and interactions will naturally shift to accommodate these practices.

The adoption of new approaches should be driven by the demonstrated benefits and results that these changes bring to the organization's operations. When work habits evolve, it creates an organic opportunity to reinforce and embed these new practices into the culture, making them part of the organizational identity. This results in a culture that supports continuous improvement and adaptability, which are core principles of Agile frameworks.

Creating a sense of urgency or implementing changes before the SAFe implementation may not yield the necessary commitment or grounding for sustaining those changes. Change should not be forced; instead, it should evolve from recognized improvements and the desire for better outcomes, highlighting the importance of empowering teams and fostering an environment where new approaches can thrive.