The Case Against "Best Practices": Embracing Promising Practices
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Limitations of "Best Practices"
How often do you hear the term "best practices"? This expression is commonly encountered in workplace discussions, alongside phrases like "synergy," "level set," or the often-repeated "circle back." Yet, this term extends beyond the corporate realm, appearing in contexts as varied as high school lesson plans and counseling sessions. For those who attended school, educators may have outlined the best practices for pursuing careers in our chosen fields.
While the phrase seems innocuous, serving as a shorthand for "effective methods," it fails to capture the hybrid and ever-evolving nature of today’s work environment. I believe it’s time to retire this term altogether.
Language plays a crucial role in leadership. A single word or phrase can shift the tone of an entire statement, influencing the message that employees take away. These interpretations then shape attitudes, which in turn affect organizational culture and productivity.
The problem with "best practices" lies in its implication. The term "best" suggests a rigid, singular approach to challenges, leaving no room for flexibility or discussion. This rigidity can hinder progress, as it discourages questioning established methods.
In contrast, I advocate for the term "promising practices." The word "promising" invites collaboration; it suggests, "Let’s work together to discover the most viable solution for the present."
The origin of the word "promising" is derived from the Latin prōmissum, which shares roots with "mission." Within an organization, a mission embodies a collective endeavor, and all members should engage in open dialogue to determine the tasks at hand.
According to Salesforce, 86% of employees and leaders believe that a lack of collaboration or poor communication leads to workplace failures. By adopting a mindset centered around promising practices—encouraging leaders to collaborate with their teams rather than simply dictating what they believe is best—organizations can foster the collaboration and commitment necessary for success.
Section 1.1: Encouraging a Growth Mindset
The notion of best practices often transcends the internal guidelines and strategies of an organization. Companies aiming to be industry leaders should share their methods and insights with the broader community, whether through case studies or customer testimonials.
However, no organization can define best practices for an entire sector, niche, or functional area. This limitation is particularly evident in people-centered skills, such as HR and DEI, where one organization's best may be another's worst.
Conversely, promising practices empower organizations to approach challenges with humility and a growth mindset. Leaders can express, "This method has yielded positive results for us, and we believe it can benefit you too." Other organizations can then adapt that best-fit approach to suit their needs.
This principle applies internally as well. What proves effective in one department might not suit another. Different demographics, such as new hires or employees of varying ages and experiences, may respond differently to the same approach. For instance, a software program that longtime employees find intuitive could pose a steep learning curve for newcomers. In such cases, leaders should engage with employees across the organization to identify challenges, explore solutions, and determine if it’s time to seek a new program. Adopting an inclusive approach and incorporating employee feedback can lead to more effective problem-solving and enhance promising practices for everyone.
Subsection 1.1.1: Fostering Inclusive Solutions
Section 1.2: The Importance of Feedback
Listening carefully is essential in cultivating promising practices, especially regarding human experiences at work. If we are to develop methods that foster a more specific and inclusive workplace, we must ensure that employees feel seen, valued, and heard. This requires ongoing feedback through various channels of communication. By interpreting feedback empathetically and facilitating group discussions, leaders can promote more inclusive guidance and drive meaningful change.
The concept of promising practices also creates space for internal policies to incorporate the workforce's values. According to Workhuman's latest Human Workplace Index study, most employees agree that their organization has a set of values guiding its purpose, and these values are reflected in their everyday experiences. However, like the workplace itself, values are fluid and adaptable, evolving to meet a growing understanding of employee needs. Both leaders and employees should feel empowered to contribute their diverse experiences, as recognizing these differences will make organizational values—and consequently, policies—more inclusive and adaptable. All individuals should feel welcome to engage in the conversation, rather than feeling excluded by the rigidity of "best practices."
Chapter 2: Embracing Collaborative Practices
In this insightful video, "How Do I Get My Team to Share Their Best Practices? | Asking for a Friend," experts discuss the importance of encouraging teams to communicate their effective strategies and foster a culture of collaboration.
Chapter 3: Reducing Cancellations through Engagement
This video, "724: How To Drastically Reduce Cancellations – Christina Byrne, Miranda Beeson, & Dr. Barrett Straub," explores methods to minimize cancellations by enhancing team engagement and communication.