If You Play CopyCat with Best Practices, First Ask These Five Questions

Last week I suggested that you and your organization should avoid copying the best practices of other businesses or non-profits. The point wasn’t about simply refusing to do what works for someone else, rather don’t be so quick to do something just because it works for someone else. It actually might not work for you and your organization. It may not be a “best” practice for you.

If you missed the first article on this topic of not being a copycat, check it out here.

If you do want to try something that worked for someone else, first ask…

• WHY?

  • Why do we want to copy this particular practice? What are we hoping it will do for us or for our audience? Is it best for us? For them? Are we trying to be someone else? Do we think we’re supposed to do it because someone else did? It’s enough that McDonald’s has a fake rib sandwich they feature once a year. Ask why.

• WHAT?

  • What is the problem we’re trying to solve? What need is being addressed by this practice? If we really understand our own problem or the need of our customer, does this practice function as a well-reasoned response? Spotify began offering original content that saw over 150,000 podcast uploads in one month. Does a podcast make sense for you? Just because others have figured it out doesn’t mean you have the manpower, time, or new content to deliver.

• WHO?

  • Who will actually benefit from this practice? Will our leaders simply feel better for doing what “they” did? Will our egos be stroked? Who in our audience will benefit? Who on our team will be better because we adopted this practice? This question circles back to the WHAT. Is there a problem to solve? Is there a need to address? If so who has the problem or need? Who presents the opportunity?

• HOW?

  • If there is a valid and productive reason for implementing this practice, how will we do so? How will we ensure we engage this practice so it is “us” and actually aligns to our mission and values? Target nailed their Drive-Up order and delivery, then perfected it during the COVID pandemic. Can you do the same? If Drive-Up is a win for you, how will you do it so you remain solvent and efficient?

• WHEN?

  • When is the best timing? Is there a point at which the best practice isn’t best any longer? Must it be now? Is there value in waiting? Everyone’s using fresh data attempting to predict what the next year, month or week will bring. The windows of opportunity are narrow and changing constantly.

Best practices are best when they elevate purpose, values, function and return on investment. Don’t settle for what’s popular, mainstream or new just because it’s popular, mainstream or new. Be intentional. It’s always best.