When a teenager does something because "the cool kids are doing it," we call it "caving in to peer pressure." But as Michael Gilbert points out, when a nonprofit does something for the same reasons, we call it "following best practices."
Because the term "best practice" implies a technique or method that has been proven effective, the term also confers a kind of authority and implies near-universal acceptance (or at least by the cool kids). This is undoubtedly more appropriate when discussing handwashing as a best practice for restaurant workers than when discussing whether the executive director should be a voting member of the board.
In fact, the term "best practice" is frequently heard when advocating for a procedure or rule which seems like a good idea but for which the speaker can't think of (or admit to) having real reasons for it. In a board meeting it's easier to say, "Best practices are to have no more than five committees," than to say, "I think we have too many committees."
In fact, of course, what works for one organization doesn't work for another, or even for the first organization at a later point. And the phrase "best practice" usually has a chilling effect on any conversation, dampening both dissent and creativity.
Let's be more honest and accountable and use these phrases instead:
- "I think doing X is a good idea because . . ."
- "Blue Avocado (or someone else) suggests X as an effective practice for situations like ours where _____ is needed."
- "I've read that some organizations are doing X and having success with it. I'm thinking it might be good for us, too."
In the meantime, don't forget that reprinting Blue Avocado articles is also a best practice! :)Â [Click here for reprint info.]
* This issue we challenge some common "best" practices and ideas: that all nonprofits need audits, that audit costs can't be reduced, that we're "just" nonprofits, and that board members should be expected to make donations. Plus an article on Instant Messaging (IMs) in nonprofits, a follow-up on sector-switching, and more. Watch out! –Jan MasaokaÂ
Today’s Blue Avocado Commentary provoked this response on three wonderful subjects you have raised:
In my 35 years of being a non-profit founder/executive:
#1. I have NEVER liked, believed in or used the term "best practices." Why: Because at best, they are preferred practices … or often downright dumb … and I won’t go along with them … regardless of which speaker, advisor, Board member, or Seminar "pushes" a particular prejudice or practice;, and
#2.Audits _ I have used indepent annual audits as both trust building and a fundraising tool for the past three decades, because we (all 4 nonprofit corporations in our nonprofit venture capital group) work with a lot with banks, regulated investors, etc., and by doing annual audits, we get clear clean responses about our ‘transparency’ and disclosure for the past 3 decades, not just post-Enron; and,
#3. I have never required any Board member to donate directly, or promise to raise any amount .. and I turn down all requests to be on Boards, where that is an expressed requirement . . . Over the years I have served on about 25 or more Boards.
Ciao for now, ~ Citizen Clark of Novato
As a long time board member, I often use the term "best practices" — but only after doing my research work. I haven’t heard it being misused as your article suggests.
I believe that "best practice" is a legitimate term to use as long as it truly is referencing an authoritative source and that caving into peer pressure is the opposite of using best practices.
So, I would suggest the phrase is properly used this way: "the best practice for restaurant workers when washing their hands, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, is…" or "best practices for our accounting procedures as outlined by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board require us to…."
–Georgette Tarnow
Remember that a “best practice” is not one until it has proven successful in multiple organizations and, even then, it is most applicable to organizations that are similar to those experiencing the successes with it. For-profits struggled with this for years before getting it (mostly) right – no need for us to tread that same path.