Stage 1: Foundation
The Foundation stage builds the team from scratch, it defines roles, ownership and purpose.
Stage 1: FOUNDATION — End-of-Stage Checklist
A cross-functional team formed (6–9 people with complementary skills).
A clear, shared purpose.
Roles and responsibilities clarified — including a Product Owner.
Decision-making authority mapped out (team, individuals, leadership).
A Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cadence in place.
A visual work board (Kanban or Scrum) set up.
Basic work types defined: Story, Bug, Incident.
A simple onboarding process for new members.
Team
No Agile team yet → Pick 4–9 cross-functional people to form a strong core team.
Delivery
Delivery missing or low-value → Clarify the problem
Run the Team Purpose Workshop, and record outcomes in the Roles & Responsibilities Builder.
Leadership
No leadership & unclear decision making→ Appoint a dedicated owner, define decision authority.
Run the CAN : CAN’T : WON’T workshop, and document it.
Processes & Templates (P&T)
No structure → Set up simple P&T using the Plan–Do–Check–Act approach.
SAFe-Specific Guidance
Start the team the day after PI Planning.
Use the first PI to get the team ready to deliver.
Only bring in ceremonies that actually help.