Step 2: See the fitness-for-purpose levels
The fitness for purpose of a system of value delivery (a.k.a. Product Development) represents how well it helps the organization achieve its vision and objectives.
Our SQUARE model is based on studying many such systems in the real world. We’ve discovered that as they increase their fitness, they go through five distinct levels. It’s the same five whether the systems are product- or project-oriented, traditional or agile:
Level 1: The system has some successes, but is unable to contribute adequately to achieving company objectives.
Level 2: The system contributes to achieving company objectives, but not effectively and efficiently enough.
Level 3: The system’s results are satisfactory, but fully dependent on the few people who make all the high-impact decisions.
Level 4: The system is effective and efficient, but slower to achieve major outcomes than it needs to be.
Level 5: The system consistently produces the results the company needs from it.
On the next two pages, you’ll use SQUARE to calculate your system’s raw fitness score and its fitness level. Beyond helping you determine which strategies will improve fitness, the way it models fitness for purpose will provide you with language and insights to discuss with your leadership and stakeholders while sidestepping process, jargon, and silos.