A maturity model is like a checklist that helps people and organizations grow up and become more responsible.
Let's say you want to learn how to swim. If you start at Level 1, you'll learn how to blow bubbles and hold your breath. At Level 2, you'll start kicking and floating on your back. As you progress through the levels, you'll learn more advanced skills like treading water and doing different strokes. By the time you reach Level 5, you'll be a confident and competent swimmer.
A maturity model is similar to this. It has different levels that measure how mature an organization is in a particular area, like cybersecurity, project management, or customer service. Each level describes certain behaviors and practices an organization must adopt to progress to the next level.
For example, in a cybersecurity maturity model, Level 1 might mean that an organization has no cybersecurity policies in place. Level 2 might require the organization to have basic cybersecurity policies and procedures, while Level 3 might require regular training for employees and frequent security assessments. To reach the highest level, Level 5, the organization would need to have a robust cybersecurity program with continuous monitoring and improvement.
Just like learning to swim, becoming more mature in a particular area takes time and effort. But if an organization is committed to growing and improving, following a maturity model can help them reach their goals.