SAFe-Agilist Leading the Change Practice Question
A SAFe transformation is underway, and the LACE has identified that middle managers are not actively supporting the change. They feel threatened by the shift to self-organizing teams. What is the most effective approach for the LACE to engage these managers?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is treating middle managers as obstacles to be bypassed rather than as potential change agents.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Involve them in shaping the transformation by seeking their input and offering them new roles as coaches and enablers.
Involving middle managers in shaping the transformation and offering them new roles turns them into allies. It addresses their fears and leverages their expertise. This collaborative approach is central to Leading the Change and helps build a broad guiding coalition. By empowering managers as coaches and enablers, the organization can accelerate the transformation and ensure its sustainability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Bypass them and communicate directly with teams to accelerate the change.
Why it's wrong here
Bypassing middle managers can create resistance and undermine the transformation. Middle managers often control resources and have significant influence. Excluding them can lead to sabotage or passive resistance. The LACE should instead engage them, listen to their concerns, and involve them in the change process to build ownership and alignment.
- ✓
Involve them in shaping the transformation by seeking their input and offering them new roles as coaches and enablers.
Why this is correct
Engaging middle managers as partners in the transformation addresses their fears and leverages their experience. By offering them new roles such as coaches or enablers, the LACE can turn potential resisters into champions. This approach aligns with the Leading the Change mindset, which emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, and helps build a guiding coalition that includes middle management.
- ✗
Ignore them and focus on teams, as middle managers will eventually adapt or leave.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring middle managers is risky; they can become powerful blockers. Their active support is often crucial for removing impediments and aligning strategy with execution. The LACE should proactively engage them, understand their concerns, and help them transition to new ways of working. This approach fosters a more sustainable transformation.
- ✗
Issue a directive that mandates their full support or face disciplinary action.
Why it's wrong here
Coercion is counterproductive and creates a culture of fear. It may result in compliance without commitment, which is unsustainable. The Leading the Change mindset relies on inspiration and engagement, not threats. The LACE should address the root causes of resistance and provide support and training to help managers adapt to their new roles.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scaled Agile exam blueprint
This SAFe-Agilist practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scaled Agile certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SAFe-Agilist exam.