Thefreedictionary.com provides the following definitions:
Methodology: A body of practices, procedures, and ... working methods:
Outcome: An end result; a consequence.
In other words, methodology is the process of how. A methodology often creates tangible deliverables like pastries. These deliverables can then lead to an outcome such as satiated hunger or gluttony.
A methodology can also directly create an outcome without any intermediate tangible deliverables. Consider how meditation delivers inner calm; while stress delivers the opposite.
The awareness of these distinctions enable us to work with greater clarity. Without this clarity, however, the following could happen:
- Not having a methodology. Or not realising the need for one. This means: Constantly reinvent the wheel. Inconsistent output. Inability to learn and apply learning.
- Not defining the outcome. Or not defining it clearly enough to be useful as a measure of success. This leads to a sense of meaninglessness. Not sure why we are doing what we are doing. Just going through the motions without any greater awareness.
- Using the wrong methodology. And thus getting no useful deliverables or outcomes.
- Being too rigid with the methodology. Serving the methodology at the expense of the outcome. Distracted from achieving anything useful.
- Mistaking deliverables for outcomes. Not clearly separating the two. The creation of tangible items may not directly translate to the achievement of the desired outcomes.
- Not defining deliverables, in clear measurable terms, with enough detail to properly scope the work and manage expectations. Not knowing what we are producing.
- Focusing on the deliverables at the expense of the outcome. We know what we are producing. We are doing it very well even. But we don't know if it is fit for purpose.
- Being overly attached to the possibilities inherent in vague outcomes. Not willing to make these concrete. Thus unable to start working towards achieving anything.
