Getting Started with the Maturity Model for Better Microsoft 365 Outcomes
You might want to make your organization use Microsoft 365 better, but some problems can make things harder. Many teams have trouble because people do not feel sure about new tools. Some people do not like change. Sometimes, money is wasted when features are not used. The Maturity Model shows you a clear way to fix these problems. If you work in IT or lead a business group, you can use this plan to help your team work better and do their best.
Key Takeaways
The Maturity Model helps your group use Microsoft 365 better. It shows where you are now and how to get better step by step.
Check your current maturity by looking at key areas like governance, collaboration, and security. Then set clear goals you can measure.
Focus on training your staff and having strong governance. Use AI and automation to help teamwork, safety, and productivity.
Make a detailed plan with clear roles and timelines. Add risk checks to help your team grow and keep everyone updated.
Check your progress often, celebrate small wins, and keep learning. This helps you keep getting better and reach your goals.
Maturity Model Overview
What Is It
The Maturity Model for Microsoft 365 is a plan that helps your organization change and grow. This model lets you see how your team is doing now. It also shows what you can do to get better. The plan helps you build strong business skills, set up good rules, and use AI in your work.
Here is a quick look at the main parts:
Each part helps you reach better results. For example, a healthcare company wanted to work together better and be safer. They used the Maturity Model to set up automatic checks and teach staff about new tools. This made them safer and saved time.
Key Benefits
Using the Maturity Model gives your organization many good things:
Your team works better together and gets more done.
You make your rules and safety stronger, so you lose less money.
Your team gets ready for new ideas with AI and keeps getting better.
Tip: When teams use Microsoft Viva tools like Amplify and Engage, more people use the tools than with just email. Teams with Viva-supported Copilot used it much more, up to 48% daily, while teams without Viva only reached 4.1%.
The Maturity Model helps you grow step by step. At higher levels, staff save time with AI, work better together, and keep coming up with new ideas. You make work better for everyone, so people want to stay.
Assessing Maturity
Self-Assessment Steps
You can begin your Microsoft 365 journey by checking how mature your team is now. The Maturity Model shows you a simple way to do this. Follow these steps to help with your self-check:
Identify Key Competency Areas
Look at things like Business Process, Collaboration, Communication, Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Infrastructure. These show how your organization is doing.Compare Your Practices to Maturity Levels
The model has five levels: Initial, Managed, Defined, Predictable, and Optimizing. Read what each level means. Find the level that matches what your team does.Use Assessment Tools
Try tools such as ShareGate’s maturity assessment. Answer questions about how your team works. These tools give you fast feedback and show where you can get better.Document Your Findings
Write down what your team does well and what needs work. This helps you see your progress and make new goals.
Tip: Use facts and data when you check your team. Collect information about your systems and processes. This helps you avoid guessing and makes your check more accurate.
Common Gaps
Many organizations find problems when they check their maturity. You might notice some of these in your own team:
No clear roles for governance or accountability.
Files and data shared outside without control.
Weak information structure and missing metadata plans.
Main business apps still on-premises, so cloud benefits are limited.
These problems can cause risks like data leaks, not following rules, and wasting resources. If you do not check your maturity, you might miss security problems and not meet standards. Checking often helps you find issues early and keep your team safe.
Focus Areas for Growth
To use the Maturity Model well, focus on three things: staff training, governance, and AI and automation. These help you build a strong base and get better results with Microsoft 365. Pick which one to start with by thinking about your business goals and what you need now.
Staff Training
Your team’s skills decide how well you use Microsoft 365. Training helps everyone feel sure and work better. Training is not just one class. It means learning all the time and getting help when needed. The table below shows how training helps your team:
Tip: Hold training often and let team members learn from each other. This keeps everyone up to date and interested.
Governance
Good governance keeps Microsoft 365 safe and running well. You should plan ahead, not just fix problems as they come. Good governance means making clear rules and using the right tools. Everyone should know their job. Leaders need to care about governance and get everyone involved.
Run workshops to set up settings that fit your business.
Use RACI charts to show who does what.
Keep a plan for the future and check it often.
Look at what changes will do before making them.
Check for risks often to find problems early.
Work with other groups to make rules that are fair and helpful.
Let people help themselves but keep safety rules in place.
Link governance with adoption plans to fix any gaps.
Note: Always try to get better so you can handle new risks and rules.
AI and Automation
AI and automation can change how your team works. If you use data and a good plan, more people will use AI tools fast. Many companies see 80% of workers use AI in 90 days. This happens by checking logs, building champion groups, and watching progress. As more people use AI, teamwork and work speed get better.
Callout: Start with small test projects. Grow bigger as your team learns and feels ready.
Action Steps with the Maturity Model
Moving up in the Maturity Model for Microsoft 365 takes a clear plan. You can help your group improve by taking one step at a time. Each step should help your team get better. Here is how you can move forward and feel sure about it.
Set Goals
First, find out where your group is now. Use tools or workshops to check your maturity level. When you know your starting point, set goals that fit your business.
Ask people from all parts of your group to join. Get ideas from content owners, team leads, and top leaders.
Make goals that are easy to measure. For example, try to get more people to use Microsoft 365 or lower security problems.
Add platform roles and jobs to job descriptions. This way, everyone knows what to do.
Ask for feedback often and talk openly. Tell everyone about changes and progress.
Help people learn new things. Give rewards to those who learn or help others.
Get ready for new tech like AI. Make rules for being open and honest.
Tip: Make a Center of Excellence or a Community of Practice. These groups can help share ideas and keep your goals on track.
Build a Plan
After you set your goals, make a plan to reach them. A good plan lists steps, dates, and who does each job.
Use planning tools like incident response templates and business plans. These help you get ready for problems and keep things working.
Write rules that match laws, like data safety or disaster plans.
Practice with scenarios and drills. These help you see if you are ready and find weak spots.
Give each person a clear job in the plan. Make sure everyone knows what to do.
Choose what to do first by looking at risk and impact. Start with things that help the most.
Write down your plan and update it often. Use templates to check your work and see how you are doing.
Note: Check your plan every year and train your team. Practice real-life situations so your team is always ready.
Track Progress
Watching your progress helps you see what works and what needs to change. Use numbers, workshops, and feedback to check your success.
Hold Progress Workshops often. Use workbook tools and radar charts to show your growth.
Get feedback from all teams. Change your plan based on what you learn.
Celebrate when you reach goals. Thank teams and people who help your group grow.
Use games, like badges or leaderboards, to keep people excited.
Make groups in Teams or Yammer for learning and support.
Share stories about what worked and what did not. This keeps everyone interested and working to get better.
Callout: Always try to improve. Keep checking, changing, and celebrating your wins. Every small step brings you closer to your goals.
You can get better results with Microsoft 365 by using the Maturity Model. First, check how your team is doing right now. Next, make clear goals and a plan to help your team grow. Use things like how-to guides, workshops, and real-life examples to help you along the way.
Make a group to look at how your team works together and set good ways to do things.
Watch how things are going and celebrate every win.
When you take the first step, your organization starts to work better, follow rules more, and keep getting better. Start your journey now.
FAQ
How do you start using the Maturity Model for Microsoft 365?
First, look at what your team does now. Use a self-assessment tool to check your maturity level. Write down what your team does well and what needs work. Make clear goals to help your team get better.
What tools help you measure progress in Microsoft 365 maturity?
You can use Microsoft Viva Goals, Power BI dashboards, or the Microsoft Digital AI Value Framework. These tools help you track how much people use Microsoft 365, how much work gets done, and how safe your data is. Check your numbers often to see how you are doing.
How often should you reassess your maturity level?
Check your maturity level at least once every year. You should also check after big changes, like new tools or new teams. Regular checks help you stay on track and fix problems early.
Who should join your maturity assessment process?
Invite IT staff, business leaders, and end users. Each group has a different view. When everyone shares, you get a full picture of how things work.
What is the best way to keep your team engaged during the maturity journey?
Celebrate small wins with your team. Tell stories about success in meetings. Use badges or leaderboards to make things fun. Give feedback and help often so everyone stays involved.