A best practice is a business process with demonstrated ability to achieve superior results. The definition is way too general and broad.
Best practices is a vendors and consultants dream because it is open for interpretation, leaving tons of wiggle room.
Remember CONTEXT. Sure there are general best practices but more importantly market space, industry, professional, parenting best practices. Here's a clear and unrefutable example, document your development process.
"Well, Yahoo has this feature". Hello. This isn't a Best Practice. It's an idea that has not been justified for our company, let alone our customers. Put pen to paper and create the business case so you can
justify it.
If Only
If only I could summarize the image below into a book that was less than 20 pages I'd be a billionaire. So many books try to cover everything to the Nth degree.
The key question that must be answered by each of your crew members, is what actually has to done to complete all of the phases as quickly and cheaply as possible for maximum profitability each and everyday! Now the how. Hire skilled, team oriented and passionate people who have the same characteristics of hard work and who truely believe in product over process and paper.
OK, this is less than 20 pages. I guess I'll never be a billionaire. Oh well.
Things that make you say, Hummmmmmm
A completely fatuous concept based on two dangerous assumptions:-
a) someone else knows what's best for you
b) you don't have to think about your context.
Phil Stubbington, BestPractice - February 22, 2004
A less fatuous concept that substitutes better ideas for the dangerous assumptions associated with BestPractice:
* BestPractice - someone else knows what's best for you
* UsefulPractices - you are stuck deciding what's best for you. It's your butt, after all.
* BestPractice - you don't have to think about your context.
* UsefulPractices - you are the one in your context. So pick what works for you there.
* BestPractice - you can have success by doing these things without understanding anything about them.
* UsefulPractices - only through understanding of the practices and their principles do you stand a chance of succeeding.
* BestPractice - is an exclusive practice. These are best. We know best. The work is in selecting out.
* UsefulPractices - is an inclusive practice. These seemed to work. We have some ideas. The work is in selecting in.
Where BestPractice presents a limited prescription, UsefulPractices presents a loose-leaf catalog. Where BestPractice presents technique without principles, and rules without reasons, UsefulPractices presents examples of principles, and guidelines that describe.
Jim Bullock, UsefulPractices - February 22, 2004
Know what you're talking about
Here's a real best practice. If you're going spout on about a new fad, at least take the time to learn EXACTLY what it is and how it can be applied SUCCESSFULY in your company.
If you're going to copy a feature or technology from another site, design and develop it so that it's your own and it's applicable to your customers!!!
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