It’s best practice. Really? 

How to filter one of the most used and abused terms in business

As a career marketer and best practice consultant, the most used (and often abused) term I encounter is “Best Practice.” It is used too loosely, too frequently and often incorrectly.

So, the next time someone says “It’s best practice,”I encourage you to filter it through this screen. (Do this in your head, not out loud — we don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.):

1. Sometimes “best practice” is just “past practice”

• That’s the brutal truth. It’s not the best way to do something. It’s just the way it’s been done in the past. Unless the practice is still current and relevant, it’s no longer “best.” Ask for 1-2 current applications of this idea in practice.

2. Sometimes “best practice” is missing the “practice”

• Too often, a best practice really represents someone’s “ideal”, but is not based on any real practice (i.e., they have no experience applying that idea…but it’s how they would “like” things to work…they’ve never actually seen it work…or done the work). Business is not academic. It’s about ideas in practice and getting things done.

3. Sometimes the best practice is not from the best source

• Like many things in life, alot is lost through translation. Often the person articulating the best practice has limited or no experience with that best practice. But hey, it just feels good saying it. So, consider the source. Is this person speaking from a position of practical experience?

4. Sometimes “best practice” really means “just one of many practices”

• It may be a good practice, but not necessarily the best. Ask yourself, “Is there a better way?” Very often, there is. If you don’t consider your alternatives, that “best practice” my stand in the way of true excellence…and hurt your results.

5. Sometimes “best practice” needs practice, especially in terms of results

• You should only trust best practice that can be backed up by tangible results. Whether from direct experience, observing other’s results, or in reliable research or reporting which shares real results.

Of course, there are some great best practices out there. Find them and embrace them. I also encourage you to initiate and identify some of your own!

Don’t be just another best practice parrot. Ask critical questions and reflect: That’s best practice ;)

PS — I love parrots. I just don’t go to them for advice.