Jeremiah Lee argues that Spotify’s Squad model for software development has been widely misunderstood and misapplied. He claims that the model, which involves small, self-organising teams, was specifically designed for Spotify’s context and needs, rather than being a universally applicable solution.
Lee points out that many organisations have adopted the model without considering their own unique context. He further highlights that Spotify itself has moved away from the Squad model, indicating its limitations.
He also criticises the model for creating silos within organisations, which can hinder communication and collaboration. Lee suggests that the Tribe and Chapter structures, which were also part of Spotify’s original model, are often overlooked. These structures were intended to address the silo issue by facilitating communication between different squads.
Lee recommends that organisations should not blindly adopt models like the Squad model. Instead, they should understand their own context and needs, and design their own models accordingly. He stresses that the goal should be to create an environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement, rather than simply replicating a popular model.
Go to source article: https://www.jeremiahlee.com/posts/failed-squad-goals/