PODS

PODS ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN SYSTEM

PODS AND unFIX

PODS and unFIX can complement each other.

Pods could be seen as organizational "containers" that incorporate unFIX archetypes (e.g., crews, streams, platforms). unFIX can provide more granular role definitions within Pods, adding clarity to their structure and purpose.

Detailed Comparison

PODS and unFIX share a common goal of building adaptable, human-centric organizations but differ in their focus and application. PODS offers a holistic organizational design for scalability and long-term sustainability, with Pods serving as stable, adaptable containers for work. It integrates a wide range of frameworks (Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, Spotify) and is suited for broad organizational redesign across industries. Leadership in PODS is clear and strategic, with Managers setting purpose and Members driving execution.

unFIX, by contrast, focuses on modular team flexibility and value delivery, using archetypes like Crews, Streams, and Platforms to structure work. It emphasizes dynamic reteaming and balancing autonomy with alignment, making it ideal for refining agile team structures and fostering engagement. While PODS focuses on end-to-end outcomes and large-scale adaptability, unFIX is more granular, aligning closely with agile principles for team-level optimization. Both frameworks support cross-functional collaboration, integration with existing methodologies, and dynamic organizational needs.

Purpose

PODS:

Holistic organizational design for scalability and adaptability.

unFIX:

Modular design focusing on value delivery and team flexibility.

Both aim to create adaptable and human-centric organizations.

Core Unit

PODS:

Pods – stable containers for work, adaptable in size and purpose.

unFIX:

Crews, Streams, Platforms – modular units for specific functions.

Both have modular units that adapt to organizational needs.

Leadership

PODS:

Manager (sets purpose) and PODS Member (executes tasks).

unFIX:

Diverse archetypes (Crew Leaders, Stream Owners, etc.) for specific roles.

Both provide leadership roles to balance autonomy and alignment.

Flexibility

PODS:

Integrates frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, SAFe, Spotify, etc.

unFIX:

Draws from Team Topologies and agile principles with pre-defined archetypes.

Both aim for high adaptability to organizational needs and goals.

Focus Area

PODS:

End-to-end outcomes, long-term sustainability.

unFIX:

Dynamic reteaming, balancing autonomy and alignment.

Both emphasize team autonomy and cross-functional collaboration.

Methodology Integration

PODS:

A meta-framework that accommodates other methodologies.

unFIX:

Combines agile concepts and modular archetypes.

Both allow integration with existing frameworks and practices.

unFIX is a flexible organizational design model created by Jurgen Appelo that helps companies build adaptable and innovative organizational structures. Unlike traditional frameworks, unFIX is a pattern library that provides organizations with a customizable toolbox for designing their unique agile structure.