How do you FAIL an appraisal?

Hi Appraiser,

I'm really afraid of failing my company's appraisal. We've been working so hard on it! What are some things to avoid if we're looking to pass our appraisal? ~Ima Frade

Dear Ima,

Helping you out of your predicament here is Darian Poinsetta, the president and CEO of Broadsword Solutions and a certified lead appraiser. He's giving me a little break for blog writing today.  With years of experience helping companies align with CMMI maturity levels, Darian has witnessed firsthand the pitfalls that can take down even the most well-meaning organizations.

The Three Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Misaligned Processes:
A common way organizations set themselves up for failure is by having processes that aren’t aligned with the company's goals. It’s crucial to remember: if your processes aren’t driving your company toward its objectives, they’re essentially useless. Each process should serve the broader purpose of advancing your company’s mission. This is why understanding CMMI Process Areas is essential to aligning your processes correctly.

2. Lack of Senior Leadership Engagement:
Without the active engagement of senior leadership, an appraisal is doomed to struggle. Leaders provide the resources, funding, and training necessary to implement and sustain processes. Their support is vital for any organization aspiring to pass an appraisal, and without it, the path forward becomes significantly more challenging. Senior leadership involvement is integral, and our CMMI Leadership Training can help guide your team through the process.

3. Insufficient Time for Process Adoption:
Lastly, organizations often falter by not allowing their teams enough time to adapt to and utilize new processes. Rushed implementations can result in confusion and inefficiencies. It’s essential to give employees ample time to integrate processes into their daily routines, understand how they work, and identify improvements over time. Process Adoption is a long-term commitment, and understanding its importance can make all the difference.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, organizations can greatly enhance their chances of success and ensure their processes meaningfully contribute to achieving company goals.

Like this blog?  Forward to your nearest engineering or software exec! 

Jeff Dalton is a Certified Lead Appraiser, Certified CMMI Instructor, author, and consultant with years of real-world experience with the CMMI in all types of organizations. Jeff has taught thousands of students in CMMI trainings and has received an aggregate satisfaction score of 4.97 out of 5 from his students.

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