Running a Smarter Value Stream and ART Identification workshop

"Don't underestimate how much fear is in the room" - Ali Hajou

In this episode of SPCs Unleashed, Mark Richards, Stephan Neck, Ali Hajou, and Nikolaos Kaintantzis bring their collective experience to one of the most pivotal—and high-risk—moments in a SAFe transformation: the Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop.

Each voice brings a distinct perspective. Stephan sets the stage with a sharp metaphor and a focus on structure. Ali warns of the workshop’s destructive potential if rushed or misused. Nikolaos grounds the conversation in organizational reality and long-term systems thinking. And Mark reminds us that the goal isn’t to get it perfect, but to start the journey of learning and adaptation.

Key Highlights

1. A Honeypot With Bees

Stephan opens with a perfect metaphor: this workshop is a honeypot—but it attracts bees. While it promises alignment and flow, it also brings organizational tension and complexity to the surface.

“It aims to address organizational complexity… But there are some bees around this honeypot.” —Stephan Neck

2. It Can Make or Break a Transformation

Ali calls it potentially the most destructive workshop in a SAFe rollout. Get it wrong, and you embed misalignment from day one—creating teams that still can't deliver value together.

3. Respect What Already Works

Nikolaos cautions against wiping the slate clean. While redesigning for value flow is essential, facilitators must acknowledge existing relationships, patterns, and practices that are already enabling success. Change for change’s sake is just as risky as standing still.

“We always say start with what you do well. There’s already value flowing somewhere—your job is to find it, not replace it.” —Nikolaos Kaintantzis

4. Set the Stage for Learning

Mark emphasizes that the real outcome of this workshop isn’t finality—it’s understanding. It's a first draft of a system that will evolve through inspection and adaptation.

“You don’t need to get it right—you need to get started, and keep learning.” —Mark Richards

5. Use Two Workshops, Not One

The group strongly advocates for a second workshop. The first is about exploring the system, the second about committing to decisions. The gap between the two allows for assumption testing and fact finding to enable more informed commitments.

Actionable Takeaways

• Set expectations up front: This isn’t a two-day org design sprint—it’s the start of a systems-thinking journey.
• Don’t overwrite what works: Start from current state patterns that are already delivering value.
• Pause before deciding: Come back in a second workshop to refine, adjust, and commit.
• Focus on learning over certainty: Evolution, not perfection, is the goal.

If you’re preparing to run a Value Stream and ART Identification Workshop—or coaching leaders through one—this episode is a must-listen. It’s a real-world guide to helping organizations shift from structure-first to value-first thinking.