A barometer is a tool used to measure the maturity of an organization relating to a specific capability or process. It provides a framework to assess the current state of maturity across people, processes, and technology. The assessment is based on benchmarked levels of maturity that allow progress to be tracked over time.
The Core Tenets of a Barometer
- Provides a standard method to evaluate and compare maturity levels
- Enables the setting of maturity targets and goals
- Identifies gaps and opportunities for improvement
- Facilitates benchmarking against best practices
- Supports monitoring progress over time
Why Barometers are Important to Business Consultants
Barometers are important tools for business consultants guiding clients on capability improvement initiatives.
A properly designed barometer provides an objective way to evaluate the client’s current maturity level based on evidence, allowing the consultant to identify high impact opportunities for improvement. Once improvement initiatives are implemented, the barometer enables ongoing measurement of progress over time. The standard maturity levels within a barometer also facilitate benchmarking the client against peers, best practices, and industry standards.
This helps consultants develop realistic maturity targets and roadmaps tailored to the client’s unique context and objectives. Overall, barometers give the consultant a robust framework to direct the client’s capability improvement journey based on data-driven insights versus subjective viewpoints. This lends credibility and increases buy-in to the consultant’s recommendations.
Examples of Barometers in Use
- A manufacturing firm uses a production process maturity barometer to identify opportunities to improve quality, lower costs, and reduce cycle times. Assessments over time show steady increases in maturity as new technologies and methods are adopted on the shop floor.
- An IT organization utilizes a cybersecurity barometer to guide enhancements to policies, systems, and staffing that reduce risk. Executive support for major upgrades is won by showing low maturity scores that lag industry peers.
- A bank applies a customer experience barometer to shape multi-year programs to strengthen retention and loyalty. Branch evaluations help prioritize locations needing service improvements to achieve service excellence.
Barometer Synonyms
- Maturity model: A framework with levels that assess maturity and capability in a discipline
- Capability maturity model: A specific type of maturity model focused on organizational capabilities
- Maturity assessment: An evaluation using a standard maturity model to appraise current maturity
Barometer Antonyms
- Immaturity model: A speculative concept which gauges lack of capability or progression (non-standard term)
- Unstructured assessment: An ad hoc approach to appraising maturity without standard methods or levels
- Benchmarking: A process of comparing to peers, not necessarily using maturity models
Other Closely-Related Terms
- Maturity matrix: A matrix diagram depicting maturity levels, dimensions, and characteristics
- Roadmap: A plan that plots progression through maturity levels over time
- Maturity curve: A visual representation of maturity progression using a line graph
