Maximizing Success in Online Communities: A Lesson in Adapting Best Practices

[StevenM]

Maximizing Success in Online Communities: A Lesson in Adapting Best Practices

In the dynamic realm of online communities and forums, the quest for effective talent management and succession planning often involves borrowing from successful models. Yet, even with the best intentions and attempts to mimic proven strategies, results can remain elusive. Just as one senior HR executive recently lamented, translating best practices into real success can be a formidable challenge.

Drawing a parallel to General Electric's (GE) Work-Out approach, which aimed to instill a culture of simplification, we uncover valuable lessons for online communities. Some organizations have ventured into replicating this model with mixed results. The question arises: Why do some succeed while others stumble?

Understanding Beyond Imitation

The heart of the matter lies in understanding the principles that underpin best practices. Mere imitation, without a deep comprehension of the driving forces, often falls short. Road trips and training sessions alone cannot bridge the gap. For instance, GE's success with its QMI process lay not in blind adoption but in allowing businesses to tailor it to their unique characteristics. Flexibility and adaptability are key when transposing strategies to the digital landscape of online communities.

The Pitfall of Superficial Adoption

One common pitfall is embracing borrowed processes or tools without securing full leadership commitment. Such half-hearted attempts can render these processes as mere formalities, devoid of their intended impact. In a parallel scenario, an HR leader confessed that the process was being driven by HR itself, sidelining the crucial involvement of line management.

The Path to Success

To truly harness the potential of best practices within online communities and forums, organizations must embark on a journey of adaptation. It's not enough to mimic; one must tailor and refine, aligning strategies with the unique culture of online communities. Furthermore, leadership buy-in is non-negotiable. Best practices require champions at the helm who champion the cause with unwavering commitment.

In the realm of online communities, as in any other domain, the essence of success lies not in mere imitation but in the art of adaptation. It's a lesson that transcends borrowed processes, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of underlying principles and wholehearted leadership commitment.

View full article