The Spotify Model on Wheels

It's 'the Spotify Model on Wheels' jokes one of our clients.? She is, of course, talking about the Pitstop approach with its focus on IT business alignment and the efficiency of cross-functional collaboration.

Not only did Spotify change the way we listen to music, but it is also changing how software is developed and IT systems are implemented. The Spotify Model emphasizes autonomy, alignment, collaboration and agility. It is also a mindset that rests ownership and accountability within empowered teams that have sufficient autonomy.?

The model centers on squads - cross-functional, autonomous teams with 6–12 members. These exist within a broader ecosystem of tribes (networks of squads), chapters (groups within tribes) and guilds (communities of shared interest for knowledge sharing, networking and support).

Some would argue that the Spotify Method is not especially new, given that the Agile Manifesto will soon celebrate it's a 25th birthday and SCRUM its 30th birthday. However, given that Spotify is a global brand, it has the prospect of taking agile methods (such as the Pitstop) to a whole new audience.

The Pitstop approach/ framework naturally appeals to exponents of the Spotify Model. That is no surprise given that the Pitstop's original aim was to put yet another nail in the coffin of the waterfall approach to big projects and transformation initiatives.? Also, to take agile thinking beyond software development to the wider business audience.? That is, to platform or cross-functional audiences that include executives from all departments and functions - right up to the CEO and CFO.

Pitstop is simply the principle of midrace adjustment.? Inspired by the racetrack, it is ideal for high pressure dynamic environments. First and foremost, it is a mindset - the same mindset that inspired the Spotify model. Moreover, it is backed by data – gathering (at speed) the perspectives of leaders, team members and stakeholders, to guide decision-making and optimize performance and potential.

No matter what methodology teams are using or where there are on the agile spectrum, the Pitstop approach is worth looking at.? Especially for those platform or cross-functional teams that bring together technical and non-technical (e.g. marketing, compliance & finance).

The Pitstop approach is particularly powerful where:

·??????? There is pressure on performance and resources are scarce

·??????? There are many projects and priorities competing for time attention.

·??????? There is a focus on productivity and efficiency, with a particular focus on ways of working and interacting.

·??????? Coordination challenges and tensions remain between WFO/WFH

·??????? New energy and momentum is required behind key projects or priorities

·??????? There are difficult issues to be addressed, including ownership and accountability.

Contact us for a demo, or to find out more" https://calendly.com/growth-pitstop/consultation-30-mins-clone