Best Practices is an interesting term. We often provide Best Practices to clients and prospective clients. Our definition of Best Practices is a little different than most. I think the term Best Practices has become synonymous with saying we have a “good idea”. Best practices require analysis, understanding, effort and hard work. They require understanding processes and identifying how to improve those processes in an actionable manner. A good idea is like the picture in a magazine of a newly remodeled bathroom. Best Practices are the planning, demolition, and reconstruction of the bathroom. The good idea is the outcome not the hard work to get there.

The key to Best Practices are the Next Practices. What is the way your organization will look after implementing Best Practices? What are the Next Practices of your business? There is a difference and your competition may be working on Next Practices while you are thinking about the good idea that you just had. Next time someone tells you they have Best Practices make sure it just is not a gaggle of good ideas but are truly Best Practices that will result in Next Practices. Good ideas are everywhere. Don’t be fooled.