circa 2016

Motivation behind the Steps Framework

As Technology within Spotify has grown over the years we have learned that people striving to increase their impact often wanted to become a Chapter Lead or Product Owner even if they might have preferred the role of an individual contributor engineer. Everyone in Spotify Tech should have a way to grow their careers and expand the impact of their -work no matter what role they play. A shift into a Chapter Lead or PO position is not necessary.

The Steps Framework provides a way to do this.

The Steps Framework

As your career evolves within Spotify, you will likely take on a variety of roles, in a variety of contexts. You will work with multiple teams, on multiple projects, perhaps in very different domains or perhaps in a smaller area of specialty. You will build capabilities and mastery. Your impact on Spotify will grow, and so likely will your sphere of influence.

Your career development within Technology will therefore be a journey --- sometimes sideways, sometimes forwards, and always flexible. There are some common patterns in the series of roles people decide to take on, and in which disciplines and expertise areas they focus, but this is not rigidly defined. It is up to you, with the help of your manager, to choose a path that aligns your interests and the company's, and that helps you develop, grow, and meet your own unique personal goals.

Throughout this journey, as you gain experience and develop your skills, you will have greater and greater impact. In other words, the degree to which you contribute to the success of Spotify --- its team and its mission --- will grow over time.

The Steps Framework  is designed to provide you with:

• The opportunity to explore new roles, skills, contexts and disciplines over time, avoiding a specific, rigidly-defined "track"
• A way to understand your progression toward greater and greater impact, independent of specific role or discipline
• A set of well-defined expectations corresponding to defined points in this progression