The Best Is Just Better!
10/14/02
Dar Wolford, manager of Best Practices Replication for Ford Motors, keeps the search for THE best practice in perspective: "If a best practice does exist, it's only for a point in time. What we are really collecting with our process are better ways of doing things."
At the turn of the 20th century someone proposed that they close the US Patent office because everything worth being invented had been invented. Wiser minds prevailed. In this age of Knowledge Management and Best Practices, the illusion of once-and-for-all capturing wisdom must again be resisted. Practice doesn't make you perfect; it makes you better. The same could be said for best practices. It's the never-ending pursuit of the perfect that is critical. It's caring enough to document what works, and being open enough to retrieve and use the best practice available no matter what the source. Like a scout entering the wilderness, there is an obligation to leave the forest better than when you entered it. When you benefit from the wisdom of others, do your part to advance knowledge by adding what you have learned. Never forget that it is not the collection of knowledge that is important; 95% of what you put in your files you will never look at again. Nothing makes a difference until it is retrieved and used. And finally, never forget that there is a story about people behind any successful process. Honor them with a little positive gossip and be ready to use them as resource to help you put best practices into action. Now, where do you find and retrieve the wisdom you need to make change work?
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
Loren Ekroth provides this week's mirthful moment--a few dandies dredged up from the oral history of producer Sam Goldwyn. Hope you enjoy some of these "Goldwynisms" in the spirit of what not to do as a leader!
"When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."
"I never liked you, and I always will."
"I may not always be right, but I'm never wrong."
"Don't talk to me when I'm interrupting."
"Let's have some new clichés."
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...