What best practices omit

Best practice are faulty equations. We want to run them against the problems we have at work, in order to solve those problems, but we’re ultimately doomed to a result that falls short of its promise. Because “best” it is not.

Best practices work on average. But you don’t want to be average.

Best practices are what work in general. But you don’t operate in a generality. The details of your unique situation can make all the difference.

Best practices are like equations missing key variables. The best they can do is approximate your reality — a far cry from “best” indeed. The key variables from YOUR situation hold the clues we need to bridge the gap from average to exceptional.

Exceptional work is created when we find and follow what makes us an exception.

I don’t say that because it’s pithy. (Bonus points because it is?) I say that because those variables, once factored into the equation, make you more objective about what actually represents the “best practice” for your own situation.

Remember: Finding best practices isn’t the goal. Finding the best approach for YOU is.

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My book explores this idea in more detail. Most business books are written for people who want to be led. I wrote this for people who can’t stand being told exactly what to do — because they know the error in those instructions.

You can purchase a copy of Break the Wheel: Question Best Practices, Hone Your Intuition, and Do Your Best Work. Thanks for reading and supporting my projects!