Best practices are there for good guidance

disregard and seek alternative advice.
Best practice is considered by some as a business catchphrase used to describe the process of developing and following a standard way of doing things that multiple institutions can use. Sometimes a best practice is not applicable or is inappropriate for a particular organisation’s needs.
An important strategic requirement when applying governance best practices or any best practice to an organisation, nation or circumstance, is the ability to balance unique qualities from both sides, and chose the best applicable. Governance is a dynamic discipline, which requires constant updating of information through research and reporting. Published data is scarce in Zimbabwe, particularly in the area of governance. It is difficult to find governance documented best practices or case studies. This is partly because governance as a discipline is regarded as fairly new in the country and part because of the challenging political and socio-economic faced by the country.
Not much research has been conducted and published to date. It is also true that governance is an issue which can easily lead to litigation and so one has to be careful about source reliability.
For this reason and more, many researches or governance discourse tend to rely on external data, including best practices which are in the public domain. International development agencies such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the UN agencies, continue to provide more data than local institutions. This is not just applicable to Zimbabwe, but to many countries on the continent.
The weakness in this type of data sourcing is that, for instance, if we consider that governance is a story about people, relations and systems of an organisation or nation, then it is Zimbabwean institutions which should be in the forefront in telling our story by providing reliable and relevant data, best practices as well as case studies. In utilising data for best practices or case studies sourced from other jurisdictions, it is hoped that recipients do not just take and gobble down, all data, but rather that they compare with their own understanding or position and take what is good and reject that which is not applicable. Where they do not have a position, then such external case studies could serve as information to gain more knowledge and understanding.
It is important to establish this fact about data or information usage because there are tendencies in governance discourses to waste time and resources debating meanings of words and their appropriateness. Simple English or Shona gets so twisted up, that it gains new meanings, which no one seems to understand after some time. Pastor Tom Deuchle of Celebration Church called it, “spin”.
This word is perhaps, most remembered in relation with Alistair Campbell, Tony Blair’s Director of Communications and Strategy, and Peter Mendelson, whose communication strategies earned the trio the title “spin doctors”.
The BBC in 2007 reported that, the manipulation of truth by the government marked its entrance, “from the beginning, there seemed to be a tendency to browbeat and cajole journalists, to fight for every comma and exclamation mark in every headline, contest every quote, challenge every piece of analysis.”
That grammatical detail made a difference in meaning of the same story published by different newspapers. There was a culture of half truths all around, which seemed nothing but a game, until it got so bad that whatever Tony Blair said, the British disbelieved it.
Again we see the importance of principles values; ethics and integrity, not just concerning our reputation, but about who we are, even in the use of information. This is character, which Abraham Lincoln said was the tree and reputation the shadow.
As the wise Shona saying “zano pangwa uinerako”, cited above, suggests one has to have a position even when seeking advice. As one takes a position consistently, they develop a character and their response to issues becomes predictable One dictionary defines character as “the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life which determine his or her response regardless of circumstances”.
It must be remembered that no outside force can dissuade a person of strong character, unless they, themselves decide to respond in a manner which is inconsistent with their character. It must also be remembered that in developing character, it gets tested.
The idea is not to beat yourself up for failing a test, but to continue finding that distinctive position in your inner self, for which when you come across counsel or advice you know to stand. If a best practice appeals to you, then adopt the good and build it in your character. The key is to search for those values, principles and ethics which are not just good for yourself but for the common good.
One leadership writer, puts it as principles+values+ethics = character. Consistency in character develops what most investors; seek in good governance, predictability, reliability and rule of law. A person of consistent character is predictable. But sleaze or spin, very much depends on the weather.
Reputation which Lincoln said was a shadow, is what most of today’s businesses and persons, are most concerned about. Concern about what people think of us tends to overshadow the truth of who we are. It is no wonder, that many find themselves developing a sense of insecurity and inferiority complex, which result in making fear based decisions, to keep the reputation.
The result is that one gets angry at even the wise counsel, simply because they did not know their position and how to handle a best practice or advice. It is important to have a good reputation, but first build a good character and that reputation as a shadow will follow. Not only does one become strong, but they also become confident in whom they are, and can then make selfless choices.
Empowerment of the youth should also develop our young people, to have the ability to discern between truth and deception, good and bad, as well as have the boldness and courage to choose what is best for them. In order for them to have this capacity, youth as individuals should be encouraged to be developing distinctive qualities in their characters, to be trustworthy and responsible citizens, who can have joy to the full.