Cultural Shifts in the Architecture of Change

By Gary Shepard, Enterprise Architect

As Ea2Sa prepares to implement a new enterprise solution, it stands at the intersection of Agile delivery (SAFe) and structured architecture governance (TOGAF). While these frameworks promise alignment and agility, they also challenge deeply embedded organizational behaviors, workflows, and mindsets.

1. From Projects to Capabilities

In traditional waterfall settings, teams think in terms of scopes and deliverables. With TOGAF and SAFe, the paradigm shifts to capability-driven delivery, value streams, and incremental outcomes. Teams must redefine value—not as completed projects but as evolving capabilities.

2. Leadership Misalignment

SAFe requires unified executive vision, yet many organizations struggle with leaders interpreting Agile principles differently or inconsistently enforcing them.

3. Shifting Mindsets

Transitioning to Agile requires a change from command-and-control to trust-based leadership, which can challenge entrenched management habits.

4. Role Redefinition

Introducing roles like Release Train Engineer or Agile Coach can unsettle traditional structures. Without clarity, this can lead to confusion or resistance.

5. Communication Silos

Agile thrives on transparency, but siloed departments can resist open collaboration, slowing down value delivery across the organization.

Conclusion

Addressing these cultural factors requires ongoing engagement, training, and leadership that exemplifies the principles of agility. Change begins with people—and that means every person at Ea2Sa has a role to play in this transformation.