Mastering Best Practices Adaptation: A Key to Success

In the world of organizational improvement, it's not uncommon to hear tales of communities attempting to implement best practices from others only to see them fall flat. Why does this happen? Well, it's not merely about copying and pasting solutions. Each organization is a unique blend of markets, structures, cultures, and histories. However, there are universal lessons to be learned from successful adaptation and adoption of best practices.

The Pitfalls of Borrowed Best Practices

Lack of Adaptation: One common pitfall is the tendency to import a process or tool without tailoring it to the specific context. Successful adaptation involves more than superficial implementation; it requires a deep understanding of the underlying principles. This understanding necessitates a substantial investment in comprehension, extending beyond training sessions or occasional visits. For example, when GE learned about Wal-Mart's "quick market intelligence" approach, they realized that a direct transplant wouldn't work for them. Instead, they adapted the process, creating a QMI process that suited their unique needs while retaining the core principles.

Lack of Adoption: Another pitfall is the assumption that the mere presence of a borrowed process or tool will yield desired results. This is the difference between going through the motions and genuinely committing to a practice. For instance, in cases where borrowed processes lacked full leadership support, the results were less than stellar. It's not enough to possess the tool; it's crucial that leaders embrace and champion it. Succession planning processes driven by HR, instead of line management, often result in superficial exercises that don't inform critical staffing decisions.

Achieving Success Through Adaptation and Adoption

Great companies actively learn from others but recognize that it involves more than emulation:

Adapt to Thrive: Understand that customization is key. Don't blindly transplant a practice; instead, delve into the principles that make it effective. Tailor it to your organization's unique culture and requirements. Successful adaptation demands more than a surface-level approach.

Adopt with Leadership Commitment: It's not enough to introduce a borrowed process; you must secure full leadership support. Leadership commitment is the catalyst for turning a tool into a transformational practice. Encourage leaders to embrace, champion, and actively engage with the borrowed process.

Successful utilization of best practices from others hinges on your ability to adapt them to your community's unique context and secure unwavering leadership commitment. Without these crucial steps, borrowed best practices are unlikely to yield tangible results.