Guild
In the context of the Spotify Model, a Guild is a community of interest that brings together employees from different Squads and Tribes who share a common passion, topic, or area of expertise. Guilds serve as voluntary, cross-functional groups where individuals can collaborate, exchange knowledge, and drive continuous improvement across the organization.
Key characteristics of a Guild in the Spotify Model include:
- Cross-Functional Participation: Guilds are not limited to a specific team or Tribe. Employees from various Squads and Tribes can participate in Guilds, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization.
- Informal and Voluntary: Guilds are informal and voluntary communities. Employees join Guilds based on their interests and desire to contribute to or learn from the group’s discussions and activities.
- Shared Learning: Guilds provide a platform for continuous learning and skill development. Members share best practices, insights, and experiences related to the Guild’s topic or domain.
- Knowledge Exchange: Guilds facilitate knowledge exchange between experts and practitioners from different parts of the organization, promoting cross-pollination of ideas and solutions.
- Open Discussions: Guild meetings and activities encourage open discussions, problem-solving, and exploration of emerging trends or practices.
- Adaptive Structure: Guilds can have a fluid and flexible structure, adapting to the changing needs and interests of their members over time.
Examples of Guilds in the Spotify Model could include communities focused on technical skills (e.g., Frontend Development Guild), design practices (e.g., UX Design Guild), Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum Master Guild), or any other area that is relevant and beneficial to the organization.
The Spotify Model, also known as the Agile Scaling Model used by Spotify, is a framework for scaling agile practices in large organizations. Guilds, along with Squads, Chapters, and Tribes, are key elements of the model that foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.
It’s essential to note that while the Spotify Model is well-known, it is just one of many approaches to scaling agile practices, and organizations may adapt and customize its concepts based on their specific needs and context. The term “Guild” as described here is specific to the Spotify Model and may not be used in the same way in other agile frameworks or methodologies. Different organizations may have their own team structures and terminology to suit their unique requirements.