Vision Maturity ModelTM Levels (VMM)
The Vision Maturity Model is based on the concept that you must have a vision within your organization in order for the organization to achieve expected results. The green point represents your current state of the organization. The purple lines are the vision and direction of the organization. The idea being that the large circle around the current state shows that the organization has an undefined vision and the direction can be limitless. Whereas, the green point with a line directly pointed at a target, clearly shows vision and direction; and the entire organization understands it.
At VMM level zero, the organization has neither vision nor direction and no one knows what work would result as acceptable by the leaders/owners. At VMM level 1 the vision and direction is so unaligned among that it is virtually impossible for anyone to set goals and take meaningful action. Any action by the team would normally waste resources. VMM level 2 is not much better; there is still unclear vision and direction; the difference from a level 0 & 1 is you know what is NOT the direction, and by no means is there a clear direction. At level 2 it is hit or miss doing meaningful work. If your organization is at a level 0, 1 or 2 you should use caution doing any work that is based on a perceived vision and direction; this is usually a waste of time and builds expectations by leadership that you will find hard to meet.
When your organization is at a VMM level 3 it means your vision and direction is good enough to do work that will be aligned and in the ballpark of what leadership expects. This level means that you can start work and be most certain that you will be headed in the correct direction. The key to working at this level is to produce quick results so leaders can make simple adjustments while work is being done. This will allow the team and organization to come to a final consensus as the vision and direction is refined. The last or highest level, VMM level 4 is when an exact vision is known and understood by both leadership and all teams; this will give you the most efficient and effective results. However, the team must still be ready and willing to make small adjustments as the work is done. Remember that business changes every day and the most successful teams are the ones that can adjust for a slight change and stay on target with the vision. ©2010 Cheston Hall
At VMM level zero, the organization has neither vision nor direction and no one knows what work would result as acceptable by the leaders/owners. At VMM level 1 the vision and direction is so unaligned among that it is virtually impossible for anyone to set goals and take meaningful action. Any action by the team would normally waste resources. VMM level 2 is not much better; there is still unclear vision and direction; the difference from a level 0 & 1 is you know what is NOT the direction, and by no means is there a clear direction. At level 2 it is hit or miss doing meaningful work. If your organization is at a level 0, 1 or 2 you should use caution doing any work that is based on a perceived vision and direction; this is usually a waste of time and builds expectations by leadership that you will find hard to meet.
When your organization is at a VMM level 3 it means your vision and direction is good enough to do work that will be aligned and in the ballpark of what leadership expects. This level means that you can start work and be most certain that you will be headed in the correct direction. The key to working at this level is to produce quick results so leaders can make simple adjustments while work is being done. This will allow the team and organization to come to a final consensus as the vision and direction is refined. The last or highest level, VMM level 4 is when an exact vision is known and understood by both leadership and all teams; this will give you the most efficient and effective results. However, the team must still be ready and willing to make small adjustments as the work is done. Remember that business changes every day and the most successful teams are the ones that can adjust for a slight change and stay on target with the vision. ©2010 Cheston Hall
