While I normally don’t like to play on words, or play on semantics this is one time it is essential.  First we have to define the word best.  Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online defines the word best as: excelling all others.  So we can say that a best practice is one that excels all other practices.  It’s not just a good practice, or a great practice, or a better practice it achieves the status of being the practice that is above all other practices.

I have often heard this said “the pill that cures one person can kill another person.”  This is especially true when it comes to best practices.  What works for you, your team, division, corporation, etc. can bring another person, team, etc. to a screeching halt.  So first, when we say “best practice” we need to look at the context in which it is being used.  For example, the best practice you use for putting code into a repository is to check the code in at then end of the day, that way no more than one days work would be lost.  That works great for a team of developers working on text based code.  Where if you were working with CAD it may not be feasible as the file sizes would grow exponentially.

The next thing to consider for “best practices” is the content of the practice.  If it is truly a “best practice”, any team, group, division, etc. at your organization could use it the same way that you’re using it.  If it is tweaked in any way, it loses its moniker of “best practice” and simply becomes a practice, maybe a good or better practice, but not to the level of “best practice.”  The content of the “best practice” should also stand the test of time and not be specific to a particular technology or methodology.  If it is, then feasibly within a year it could lose its “best practice” designation and even fall below the realm of “good or recommended practice.”

This brings up a point about best practices that needs to be addressed.  Who determines if something is a “best practice.”  If left to individuals or teams you run the risk of everything being a “best practice” that comes from a certain person or team.  Now we must look at motive behind something being deemed a “best practice.”  This is not to say that everyone who deems their idea a “best practice” has ulterior motives, however, it can occur for a variety of reasons.  Rather than go into the laundry list of reasons lets suffice it to say that the biggest reason this can occur is “office politics.”   Getting the right group assembled that can determine what reaches the standards of being a “best practice” can be difficult, but not impossible.  It requires people with a broad knowledge if the organization that see the big picture and whether or not the “best practice” could be implemented throughout the organization.   This group will unfortunately have to tell someone or a group that their “best practice” is simply a “good or better practice,” but not to the level of a “best practice.”  This can result in hurt feelings or anger.  The other danger is that the group determines everything a “best practice” thus causing issues as the “practices” deemed “best” begin to inflict irreparable damage to groups who try to implement them.

In conclusion, I am not advocating that there are no “best practices.” I am advocating that very few practices rise to that level and most practices are good, great or better.  Your team, group, division, industry, etc. will have to determine what is a “best practice” just be aware of the pitfalls in declaring something “best.”

Joe Townsend has been working in the Configuration Management field for 12 years.  He has worked for CNA Life Insurance, RCA, Boeing, UPS and in State Government.  Joe has primarily worked with Serena tools, including PVCS Version Manager, Tracker, TeamTrack(Mashups) and Dimensions including support and training.  Joe is also an administrator for WebFocus and supports Eclipse users. Joe is also responsible for building all of the applications at my current location which includes a desktop and web based client.  In addition to this work Joe is also an avid gardener and history buff.  He have studied history for over 25 years mainly concentrating in European History.  Joe keeps busy with his wife and 4 children; a 4 year old, 3 year old, 22 month old and a 5 month old.  You can reach Joe online at CM Crossroads

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Muhammad Saqib Khan said:

	... I agree with the article. Similar kind of question is about improvement and innovation as any new change can never be an innovation. The process or domain holders are the best to take decision.
	report abuse vote down vote up

December 07, 2010
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