A “best practice” is defined as “a method or technique that has been generally accepted as superior to any alternatives because it produces results that are superior to those achieved by other means or because it has become a standard way of doing things.” (Wikipedia)
Traditional classes that teach “best practices” operate on the assumption that one size fits all. However, it is unlikely that what works well for an established company will work equally well for a small startup company. Even companies of the same size in the same industry differ in terms of their history, mission, management style, and geographic location.
Every company has its own unique culture and personality.
For this reason, each company needs to develop its own best practices. And when a crisis, such as the pandemic, occurs, even time-honored best practices may no longer apply.
Rather than being force-fed inappropriate practices in a classroom or continuing with outdated practices in the worksite, managers need the time and focus to experiment finding new techniques that may be more effective.
This is where peer learning groups excel.
Managers from the same organization who are facing a similar challenge, such as how to manage a hybrid workforce, come together to learn about and discuss possible techniques. They each select one of the techniques and then practice using it for a month, adjusting it as necessary so it is most effective, given their organizational culture and management style.
The managers then reconvene to assess their experiences and collaborate on determining which practices will be best for handling the challenge under the current circumstances. They leave the peer learning group ready to apply their new company-specific best practice.
Stop trying to fit a square peg into a round, rectangular, or star-shaped hole. Let your managers discover and develop the specific practices that will work best in your organization.
If you would like to learn more about peer learning groups, contact Deborah Laurel.
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