Committed and Uncommitted PI Objectives

Earlier today I was trying to explain the difference between Committed and Uncommitted PI (Program Increment) Objectives (within the context of SAFe) to a group which included Product Owners, Product Managers, RTEs, Scrum Masters and Delivery Managers.

As the session commenced, I first established a common understanding of the overarching SAFe framework and its importance in fostering alignment, collaboration, and delivery excellence across large-scale Agile enterprises. With this foundation laid, I transitioned into the heart of the matter: the distinction between Committed and Uncommitted PI Objectives.

I began by defining Committed PI Objectives as the specific, achievable goals that a team commits to delivering within a Program Increment. These objectives are meticulously planned, taking into account various factors such as team capacity, dependencies, and business priorities. Committed PI Objectives serve as the cornerstone of the team's commitment to delivering value during the PI.

Next, I turned my attention to Uncommitted PI Objectives, emphasizing their role in fostering flexibility and adaptability within the SAFe framework. Uncommitted PI Objectives represent additional goals or stretch targets that teams may pursue if capacity allows or if market conditions change. Unlike Committed Objectives, Uncommitted Objectives are not binding commitments but rather opportunities for teams to seize upon emerging opportunities or address unforeseen challenges during the PI.

To illustrate these concepts further, I employed real-world examples and case studies, highlighting instances where teams successfully navigated the balance between Committed and Uncommitted Objectives to drive innovation and respond effectively to changing market dynamics.

Throughout the session, I encouraged active participation and dialogue, inviting members to share their own experiences, challenges, and insights related to PI planning and objective setting. This interactive approach fostered a collaborative learning environment, enabling attendees to deepen their understanding of the topic while also building connections with their peers.

By the session's conclusion, I observed a palpable sense of clarity and confidence among the group, as attendees embraced a more nuanced understanding of Committed and Uncommitted PI Objectives within the SAFe framework. Armed with this knowledge, they were better equipped to navigate the complexities of PI planning, drive alignment across teams, and ultimately deliver greater value to their organizations and customers.

So, here’s a summary of the key aspects:

Committed Objectives:

• Committed objectives are goals or targets that the team has committed to achieving within the Increment.

• These objectives are backed by a high level of confidence and commitment from the team responsible for their execution.

• Committed objectives are typically aligned with the organisation's overall strategic goals and have been thoroughly planned and prioritised during PI Planning / BRP.

Uncommitted Objectives:

• Uncommitted objectives, on the other hand, are goals or targets that are identified during the planning process but are not guaranteed to be achieved within the current PI.

• They may represent stretch goals, exploratory initiatives, or objectives that are subject to change based on evolving priorities or other factors.

• Uncommitted objectives are often used to foster innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement within the organisation.

• While uncommitted objectives may not have the same level of certainty or commitment as committed objectives, they are still valuable in driving progress and adaptation in a dynamic business environment.

I hope you found this information helpful.