Who is SAFe's Product Owner?

Did you know that more than 1,000,000 practitioners and 20,000 enterprises trust the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)? Moreover, Gartner has also named SAFe the most considered and adopted framework to scale Agile. This means there is a good scope for professionals who want to pursue a career in this field. Becoming a SAFe® product owner is the best way to embark. But you must be well-versed in all the basics and advanced elements of SAFe to become a proficient professional in this field. Let us know more about this detailed process below. 

Definition of  SAFe® Product Owner

A SAFe® Product Owner is one of the most important members of a SAFe Team. The professional works with the product management team, including other product owners. SAFe owners further work with stakeholders to define and list out stories in the Team Backlog. 

The Product Owner will also order these stories based on the order of priority after they are listed out. The professional can further support multiple Agile teams at the same time. The SAFe® Product Owner role involves working specifically with the SAFe® Product Manager to maintain the particular vision of the product. That is why the key focus of a Product Owner is always on improving the product tactics.

You will find several types of Product Owners working in the same field. It includes the Scrum Product Owner, Portfolio Owner, Platform Owner, and Feature Owner. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities of SAFe® Product Owner

Here is how Scaled Agile Framework has classified the roles and responsibilities of a SAFe® Product Owner:

1. Program Integration Planning

SAFe® Product Owners play a crucial role in the extended product management teams. They remain actively involved in refining the backlog and preparing for Program Increment Planning. Product Owners ensure the team backlog is up-to-date and contribute to the program vision, presentations, and roadmap before the planning event. 

They define stories and provide clarifications for accurate story estimates during the event. They also identify team PI objectives for the upcoming Program Increment with the Agile team.

2. Execution of Iteration

SAFe® Product Owners handle various responsibilities during an iteration. They update the team backlog by gathering input from system engineers, architects, and other stakeholders. This involves developing, editing, and maintaining the Team Backlog. It also includes User Stories, enablers, and defects. 

Prioritization is based on factors such as time, user value, and team dependencies identified during PI planning. SAFe® Product Owners also review and re-prioritize pending work during iteration planning. They further coordinate with other Product Owners and ensure alignment with the team on the closing iteration plan.

3. Under-the-Wire Story Detailing

During implementation, most backlog items are detailed in User Stories. Product Owners are responsible for the proper flow, even though any team member can write acceptance criteria and stories. They apply Behavior-Driven Development, collaborating with teams to create detailed stories, acceptance rules, and illustrations as acceptance tests.

4. Acceptance of Stories

Product Owners work closely with the team to ensure consensus on the completion of agreed-upon stories. This involves confirming that stories meet acceptance rules with predetermined compliance tests or align with the Definition of Done (DOD). It helps ensure a certain degree of quality and readiness for use.

5. Understanding Enabler Work

While not making technological decisions, Product Owners comprehend the horizon of upcoming enabler work. They collaborate with Solution/System Architects and Engineers to assist with decision-making and arranging crucial technological frameworks, achieved through capacity allocation.

6. Team Retrospective and Demo

SAFe® Product Owners actively engage with their teams during team retrospectives, demos, and Agile Release Trains Inspect and Adapt Workshops. They participate in improving processes and ensuring the effective presentation of Agile solutions to stakeholders.

7. Program Execution

In Program Execution, SAFe Product Owners are instrumental in producing system demos for value stream and program stakeholders. They associate dependencies with other Product Owners and actively participate in PO sync events, ensuring coordination within the organization.

8. Inspecting and Adapting

Teams address larger hindrances in Inspect and Adapt Workshops. SAFe® Product Owners work across teams, explaining and implementing improvement stories. Their active involvement increases the quality and velocity of the program. They play a key role in Program Increment System demonstrations, ensuring the display of crucial solution angles to stakeholders and collaborating with other team members to prepare demonstrations for the PI System.

SAFe® Product Owner vs SAFe® Product Manager

Although the roles and responsibilities of a SAFe® Product owner and SAFe® Product Manager may sound the same, they have significant differences. Let us discuss them further in this comparison table.

Also, check:Role of Safe Product Owner

Learn More about SAFe Product Manager vs Product Owner

How to Become a SAFe® Product Owner?

The very idea of becoming a SAFe® Product Owner may excite you already but the road towards success is not that easy. You need to fulfill some prerequisites to become such an experienced professional. Here’s how:

1. Understand Agile and SAFe Principles

To embark on the journey of becoming a SAFe® Product Owner, start by developing a strong understanding of Agile manifesto principles. Familiarize yourself with the core concepts of the SAFe framework, emphasizing its principles, roles, and practices.

2. Acquire Relevant Experience

Gain practical experience within an Agile environment. Consider working as a Scrum Team member or in a related role to build a foundation in Agile practices. Exposure to product development and delivery processes will provide valuable context.

3. Participate in SAFe® Training

Enroll in a SAFe®  Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) training course offered by a SAFe®  Training Partner. These courses equip you with the skills and expertise to prepare you for theSAFe®  Product Owner role.

4. Attend SAFe®  Events

Actively participate in SAFe events and forums to connect with other SAFe practitioners. Attend SAFe Community of Practice meetings and conferences to stay updated on industry best practices and network with professionals.

5. Engage in Practical Applications

Apply your theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. Engage in projects where you can actively contribute to refining backlogs, prioritizing features, and ensuring alignment with the program's overall vision. Collaborate with Agile teams and stakeholders to gain hands-on experience.

6. Read SAFe®  Documentation

Deepen your understanding of the SAFe framework by reading essential documentation such as the SAFe®  Big Picture, SAFe® Principles, and other relevant materials. This will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the framework's key components.

7. Prepare for Certification

Review the SAFe®  POPM exam study guide provided by Scaled Agile, Inc. Take advantage of practice exams to assess your readiness for the SAFe® Product Owner/Product Manager (POPM) certification exam. This preparation will boost your confidence for the certification process.

8. Obtain SAFe® Product Owner Certification

Schedule and successfully complete the SAFe® POPM certification exam through the Scaled Agile website or an authorized exam provider. Attaining this certification demonstrates your proficiency as a SAFe® Product Owner.

9. Continue Learning and Improvement

Keep yourself up-to-date on the most recent advancements and changes within the SAFe® framework. Participate in ongoing learning opportunities such as webinars, workshops, and other educational materials to remain at the forefront of industry trends.

10. Apply SAFe®  Principles in Your Role

Transition into a SAFe® Product Owner role within your organization or seek opportunities where you can actively apply your newly acquired skills. Continuously remodel your approach based on feedback and hands-on experience, contributing to the success of Agile initiatives.

Also, CheckFAQs on SAFe® POPM Certification

Conclusion 

By now, you already know that a SAFe® Product Owner is a critical component of Agile teams. This particular professional has a huge role in ensuring efficient product visions and deliveries. However, you must be well-versed in every aspect of the profession to become a professional SAFe® Product Owner. That is why you must pursue the SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM) Certification from Simpliaxis to ensure you do not miss out on any basics. So, why wait? Enroll now in the SimpliAxis SAFe® Product Owner Course and become a certified Product Owner in no time.