Running the Marathon of Business Success: Linking Marathon Visualization to SAFe Framework

In the world of marathon running, visualization is a powerful tool that helps athletes break down the daunting 42.195 kilometers into manageable segments. This technique can be equally effective in the business world, particularly when implementing the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). By visualizing a marathon as four distinct 10.5 km blocks, each represented by a different color, we can draw compelling parallels to the stages of driving business performance using SAFe principles.

The Four Colours of Marathon Visualization

1. Green: Go and Starting
2. Orange: Heating Up and Facing Challenges
3. Red: War, Sacrifice, and Fighting
4. Yellow: Light, Sun, and Nearing the End

Let’s delve into each stage and explore how they align with SAFe principles such as Sprints, OKRs (Objectives and Key Results), and Epics.

Green: Go and Starting

Marathon Visualization: The first 10.5 km of a marathon is symbolized by the color green. This phase represents the beginning of the journey, filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a clear sense of direction. Runners are fresh, motivated, and focused on setting a steady pace.

SAFe Framework: In the context of SAFe, the green phase aligns with the initial stages of a project or a sprint. This is where teams come together to plan, set objectives, and define key results. The energy and enthusiasm of the green phase are akin to the kickoff of a new sprint, where teams are eager to start and make significant progress.

• Sprints: Just as a marathon runner sets a steady pace, teams in SAFe establish a rhythm through time-boxed iterations called sprints. Each sprint is a short, consistent period (usually 2-4 weeks) where teams focus on delivering incremental value.
• OKRs: Objectives and Key Results are set during this phase to provide clear goals and measurable outcomes. This ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards common objectives, much like a runner’s focus on reaching the next milestone.

Orange: Heating Up and Facing Challenges

Marathon Visualization: The second 10.5 km is represented by the color orange, signifying a phase where the initial excitement starts to wane, and the real challenges begin to surface. Runners may start to feel the strain, and maintaining pace requires more effort and determination.

SAFe Framework: In business, this phase corresponds to the middle stages of a project or sprint, where teams encounter obstacles and complexities. The initial momentum may slow down, and it becomes crucial to stay focused and resilient.

• Sprints: As teams progress through sprints, they may face technical challenges, dependencies, and unforeseen issues. It’s essential to maintain agility and adapt to changing circumstances.
• OKRs: Regular check-ins and reviews of OKRs help teams stay on track and make necessary adjustments. This phase emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and iterative progress.

Red: War, Sacrifice, and Fighting

Marathon Visualization: The third 10.5 km is marked by the color red, symbolizing the toughest part of the race. This phase is about endurance, grit, and pushing through pain. Runners must dig deep, embrace the struggle, and make sacrifices to keep moving forward.

SAFe Framework: In the business context, the red phase represents the critical stages of a project where significant effort and determination are required. Teams must overcome major hurdles and stay committed to their goals.

• Sprints: During this phase, teams may need to put in extra effort, work longer hours, and collaborate more intensively to meet deadlines and deliverables. It’s a time of high intensity and focus.
• Epics: Large-scale initiatives or epics often reach their most challenging points during this phase. Teams must break down these epics into manageable tasks and tackle them with a strategic approach.

Yellow: Light, Sun, and Nearing the End

Marathon Visualization: The final 10.5 km is represented by the color yellow, symbolizing light, hope, and the nearing end of the journey. Runners can see the finish line in sight, and despite fatigue, they are motivated by the prospect of completing the race.

SAFe Framework: In business, the yellow phase corresponds to the final stages of a project or sprint, where teams are focused on delivering the final product and achieving their objectives.

• Sprints: The last sprint in a release cycle is crucial for finalizing features, conducting thorough testing, and ensuring that the product meets quality standards. It’s a time for tying up loose ends and preparing for deployment.
• OKRs: Reviewing and reflecting on OKRs at the end of a project helps teams understand their achievements, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate successes. This phase reinforces the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Conclusion

By visualizing a marathon in four distinct phases—Green, Orange, Red, and Yellow—we can draw powerful parallels to the stages of driving business performance using the SAFe framework. Each color represents a unique phase in both running and business, highlighting the importance of planning, resilience, determination, and celebration.

Implementing SAFe principles such as Sprints, OKRs, and Epics within this visualization framework can help teams navigate the complexities of large-scale projects, maintain focus, and achieve their goals. Just as marathon runners break down the race into manageable segments, business teams can use this technique to stay motivated, overcome challenges, and ultimately cross the finish line of success.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences on how visualization techniques have helped you in your professional journey. Let’s continue the conversation and inspire each other to achieve greatness, one step at a time.