If you try find a definitive description of ‘The Spotify Model’ you will most likely end up frustrated. There are some old videos and blog posts, and lots of internet articles claiming that it isn’t a ‘proper’ framework and that even Spotify doesn’t use it. Yet, it is reported as the 4th most popular scaled agile framework according to the 15th State of Agile Report and there are thousands of companies claiming to be using it.
So, what is it? And if you want to adopt it, where do you start?
Luckily, we have the answer. Stefan Malich and Joakim Sundén joint forces and have now captured and documented ‘The Spotify Model’ based on Essence. Joakim was an agile coach at Spotify as they were experimenting with various novel techniques that helped them remain agile as they grew. Those experiments evolved into the folklore that has become ‘The Spotify Model’. Stefan is a certified Essence practitioner who is involved in several Essence-based developments. This article explains the model and helps you understand how you can use it.
The Spotify Model Essentials cards can be accessed digitally here (optimized for mobile) and / or downloaded as a PDF to be printed below. Please also see a variety of other popular practice cards for download at our Coaching Card Download Hub.
If you would like help understanding whether The Spotify Model is a good fit for your organization, or would like help adopting it, our consultants would be happy to help you.