Your insights on alternatives to endless Scrum are intriguing! Permit me to interject another perspective — that of the Scaled Agile Framework, or SAFE. Envision it as the "Scrum of Scrums," a meta-framework if you will, specifically tailored for large-scale projects where intricate dependencies and diverse teams abound.
Think of SAFE as a symphony orchestra. Each section, representing individual teams, plays its specific part with Scrum's cadence and structure, yet they are all orchestrated within a larger framework under the conductor's baton (release train engineer in SAFE parlance). SAFE offers a portfolio perspective, coordinating multiple value streams toward shared objectives with prescribed roles, cadences, and ceremonies that resonate from individual teams up to the highest echelons of the organization.
Some may find its perceived complexity daunting, but just as a complex musical score can be breathtaking when expertly performed, the same applies to SAFE when expertly implemented.
And much like understanding a musical score unlocks the depth and richness of the symphony, comprehending the different configurations (Essential, Large Solution, Portfolio, Full) of SAFE can tailor it to diverse contexts. The real potency of SAFE lies in its capacity to orchestrate decentralized decision-making, fostering both alignment and autonomy across teams. It's a dance between structure and flexibility.
Is SAFE a panacea for all organizations? Perhaps not. But just as there are times when only a full orchestral arrangement will do justice to a grand composition, there are times when SAFE might just be the conductor you need to unlock the full potential of your organization's development capabilities. Perhaps we must actively seek frameworks that facilitate decentralized empowerment without the fear of disharmony!