When 'Methodologies' meet 'Reality'

Every now and then someone comes along touting a new way to solve problems. However, they fail to clarify what is not solved by their approach. The marketing and PR efforts build a hype and expectations that come crashing down when the methodology meets reality. The downfall is caused not by the core proposition, but typically by the boundary conditions that it fails to meet.

When evaluating a technique/methodology, here are some questions to ask:

• Is the underlying logic and assumptions sound? Or does it have flaws or defects in logic and assumptions?
  
• Does it provide a complete coverage of the problem space? Or are there exceptions to the rule?
  
• How does it address difficulties in implementing the technique due to lack of data or problems that are hard to measure?
• How does it address the 'intangibles' (for example, culture)?
  
• How can sloppy use of the technique by incompetent managers be prevented?

Look for a technique or methodology that will:

• Adapt to your organization, instead of requiring your organization to adapt to it
  
• Build your capacity to execute strategy
  
• Avoid dependence on outside consultants in areas that are core to your business (outsourcing and partnerships are typically for 'context' work)
• Evolve with your needs
• Give you an immediate solution, with a road map to evolve to the next level