Every day, at least in this industry, someone talks about using “best practice."
This is meant, in most cases, to indicate that the way they do something… or everything… is the best way to do it.
The fact is, there is generally no industry group, no association, no standards body that is declaring this is the best way to do this thing.
The phrase “best practice” is actually used in these cases to shut down conversation, to discourage innovation, and to prevent potentially challenging questions.
After all, if something is a best practice, how could anything be better?
I know what you’re thinking. And you’re right… there are situations where there is actually an industry body of some kind that has concluded that some method, process, or approach is best practice, but these are typically known as standards, or at least recommendations.
So let’s call “best practices” what they really are…
“Generally accepted practice"...
"Common practice"...
Or “current best practise”…
And open the conversation for improvements and innovation.
Allow for better FUTURE practice.
Do you agree or disagree?