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The Director's Cut: Taking up modelling
No, David Taylor hasn't this month taken to the catwalk.

By David Taylor

Published: Thursday 27 February 2003

As IT leaders, we are positively drowned in 'best practice'. Armies of academics, researchers and gurus publish, present and patter on about it. But what does it mean? And does it have a role in meeting the challenges of the new business age?

To me, best practice means applying what works best across a large number of organisations. With so many universal truths around (related to challenges that face every company) this approach has a role to play but, if you want to really want to stand out from the crowd, only a limited one.

And that's because the future is not what it used to be. Doing the same as everyone else is no longer enough – it is only by doing something different that you will move ahead, and it is only the leaders, teams and companies that move ahead who will survive and thrive.

There is an alternative to best practice, which will enable you to soar ahead of the majority, without huge risk-taking. It is called 'modelling'. Modelling means seeking out the very best, finding someone - or an organisation - that has achieved what you wish to achieve, and then doing what they did.

In IT terms we are talking about modelling excellence, seeking out those who are succeeding. The cynics may call this cheating or copying or the opposite of free thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth. We all look for teachers and coaches in human and corporate excellence. We all seek to learn from the masters.

Those that do it also know that simply following the same recipe as others is not enough. It must be adapted to your own organisation's specific challenges and goals.

There is, of course, still some risk and a need for bravery. Modelling will provide the map and compass. You must lead the way.

The key difference between best practice and modelling is the difference between the many and the few. Those that model the very best are still moving away from the general masses, rather than doing what works in every company. Best practice is also traditionally focused on solving problems, and has developed a tired, boring, consultancy-led image. Modelling is about being where you want to be and embarking on an exciting journey.

How do you model? Find a person, a company or a team that has achieved what you want to achieve, that is living the reality of your dreams. You can find these people through conferences, award ceremonies and simple networking. Then seek to understand how they did what they did. Be open with them about your motives. Modelling is the sincerest form of flattery. Then do what they did, constantly adjusting your actions according to the results you achieve.

Modelling is the fastest, most effective and powerful way to achieve anything, and when everyone is doing it, it will become best practice. Then it is time to move on and once again seek out another champion to model. Or, more likely, by now thinking and acting like the first exemplar you modeled, you will become a true pioneer and a role model for others.

David Taylor is the author of best-selling business book The Naked Leader (www.nakedleader.com), president of IT directors association Certus and a regular contributor to silicon.com. Did he get it right? Email editorial@silicon.com to let us know.