What Is a Codified Methodology?
A codified methodology is a documented, standardised approach for delivering a particular type of improvement work. It includes the tools, templates, governance frameworks, and processes that guide your team in consistently delivering high-quality outcomes.
Why It Matters Internally
While it might seem like an overhead, taking the time to define and document your improvement methods brings significant benefits:
- Efficiency: With a shared way of working, your team can move faster. They don’t waste time reinventing the wheel or second-guessing how to approach each piece of work.
- Consistency: Different practitioners tackling similar challenges will do so in a consistent way, ensuring quality and predictability.
- Scalability: As your function grows, or as demand for improvement support increases, codified methods enable others to self-serve where appropriate—reducing the strain on limited capacity.
- Governance: Governance frameworks become part of your delivery method, providing built-in control and oversight without adding unnecessary admin.
Building and Maintaining Your Methodology
Creating a codified methodology takes time and effort. You need to think about:
- What are the key services you provide?
- What’s the best way to deliver each one?
- What tools and templates will help?
- Where and how will these resources be hosted?
- How will the team access and use them?
Once built, your methodology isn’t static. It needs to evolve with your organisation. Periodic reviews and updates ensure your methods stay relevant and effective.
Final Thoughts
Internal improvement teams often work with limited resources and tight deadlines. Having well-structured, codified methodologies not only boosts delivery efficiency but also enhances the credibility and professionalism of your function. If your team hasn't yet formalised its ways of working, now’s the time to start.
And if you have—are they still fit for purpose? Are they helping your team work smarter and faster?
Ready to see how your improvement team stacks up?
Want to discuss a Team Maturity Assessment and start benchmarking your team against best-in-class practices? Get in touch today.
