10 Synonyms for “Best Practice”

In the world of work, it’s crucial to know the best ways to do things, often called “best practices.” However, using the same term over and over can get boring and unclear.

This article lists ten other ways to say “best practice” that might fit better in some situations. Each alternative is explained with examples to make your messages clearer and more engaging.

Is It Professional to Say “Best Practice”?

The phrase “best practice” is considered both professional and formal. It’s also seen as polite when used correctly. This is because it conveys a high standard of an approved or recognized method or procedure. It suggests a level of excellence or quality has been achieved that is endorsed by a consensus or authority in a particular field. You can use this phrase when you want to refer to the most effective techniques or methods that lead to superior results. It’s especially useful in professional emails, meetings, and industry guidelines to communicate effectively about the desired or exemplary procedures or standards.

An example of using “best practice” in an email could look like this:

Dear Team,

I hope this email finds you well. As we move forward with our new project, I want to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to industry best practices to ensure the highest quality of our output. This will not only enhance our team's reputation but also provide considerable value to our clients.

Best regards,
Emily Green

Pros:

• Conveys expertise and professionalism.
• Encourages adherence to high standards.
• Is widely understood in many professional contexts.

Cons:

• Can be seen as jargon in non-professional contexts.
• Overuse can make it seem less meaningful.
• May imply there is no room for improvement or new methods.

Sometimes, someone might want to use an alternative phrase to “best practice.” This could be because they are seeking to avoid overused terms or to introduce fresh expressions. Using synonyms or alternatives also can help clarify the message for audiences who might not be familiar with professional or industry jargon. Moreover, discussing alternatives can encourage innovative thinking, inspiring teams to go beyond the conventional norms to discover new methods that could someday become the new standards. Thus, seeking out synonyms or alternatives is not just about avoiding repetition; it’s about enriching communication and fostering an environment of continual improvement and creativity.

10 Other Ways to Say “Best Practice”

Here are ten alternatives to the phrase “best practice” that convey a similar meaning:

1. Industry standards

When we say “industry standards,” we’re talking about practices that are widely accepted and used across a particular field. These standards are established by consensus and endorsed by a professional group or authority. This phrase carries a professional and formal tone similar to “best practice.”

This alternative is better suited when you want to emphasize practices that are not just excellent, but also widely adopted and recognized within the industry. It adds a level of universality and consensus that “best practice” might not always imply.

Here’s an example in an email:

Dear Team,

We are updating our workflow to align with current industry standards to enhance our productivity and maintain our competitive edge. 

Warm regards,
Thomas Rivera

2. Recommended methods

The phrase “recommended methods” suggests practices that are advised or suggested by those with expertise or authority in the field. While it maintains a professional demeanor, it can also come across as less formal than “best practice,” making it more versatile for different types of communication.

When the goal is to offer advice rather than dictate practices, “recommended methods” stands out. It’s ideal for situations where you wish to offer guidance that is strong but not overly authoritative, keeping the message open for interpretation and adaptation.

Here’s an email sample:

Dear Colleagues,

To improve our project outcomes, we recommend following these recommended methods going forward.

Best,
Linda Smith

3. Proven techniques

“Proven techniques” suggests methods that have been tested and shown to yield positive results. This alternative adds an element of empirical evidence to the recommendation, suggesting not just professional consensus but also historical success. It’s both professional and formal.

This phrase is best used when you wish to emphasize the reliability and effectiveness of certain methods based on past successes. It’s particularly useful when convincing others to adopt a new method by showcasing its proven track record.

See this example in an email:

Dear Contributors,

For the next phase of development, we recommend the adoption of these proven techniques to maximize efficiency.

Sincerely,
Jacob Allen

4. Leading practices

With “leading practices,” there’s an emphasis on the most advanced and successful practices in the field. It suggests not only effectiveness but also innovation and leadership. This phrase is professional and carries a formal tone, implying superiority in the practice.

It’s better suited when intending to position a practice as not just validated but at the forefront of innovation. It suggests adopting these practices will place one at the leading edge of their industry or field.

Here’s how it can be used in an email:

Dear Team,

To stay ahead, we are integrating these leading practices into our operational model. 

Kind regards,
Diane Peterson

5. Best methods

Though similar to “best practice,” “best methods” narrows the focus specifically to methods, suggesting a more specific approach to achieving excellence. It is both professional and formal, used to highlight preferred ways of working.

This alternative is more fitting when you want to underscore the technique or process aspect of a practice. It is especially relevant in technical or methodological contexts where the process is as important as the outcome.

An email using this phrase might look like this:

Hello Team,

To enhance our software development cycle, we are implementing these best methods moving forward.

Best,
Roger Chen

6. Optimal procedures

“Optimal procedures” conveys the idea of the most efficient and effective ways to perform tasks. This phrase is particularly professional and leans towards being formal. It implies a level of precision and optimization in selecting these procedures.

It is particularly suited for contexts where efficiency is paramount, and there is a focus on finding the most streamlined and effective ways of achieving objectives. It’s useful for tasks or processes where there is little margin for error.

Here’s an example in practice:

Dear Project Team,

For our upcoming audit, we will be adhering to these optimal procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Regards,
Nancy Wilson

7. Effective approaches

“Effective approaches” highlights methods that effectively achieve goals or solve problems. It suggests practicality and results-orientation in a professional yet slightly more informal manner compared to “best practice.”

This alternative shines in general discussions about strategies or problem-solving where the focus is on the effectiveness of different options. It is great for promoting open-mindedness and adaptability in approaching tasks because it implies multiple possible paths to success.

Consider this email example:

Dear All,

To tackle our current challenge, adopting these effective approaches is our recommended course of action.

Cheers,
Alex Johnson

8. Standard protocols

“Standard protocols” refers to established procedures or rules that are generally accepted within a field. It strikes a professional and formal tone, implying a foundation of practices that professionals are expected to follow.

This phrase is particularly suitable in fields where regulatory compliance and formalized structures are crucial. It reinforces the importance of adherence to practices that are both sanctioned and standardized.

Here’s how you could use it:

Dear Staff,

To ensure compliance with the latest regulations, we will be updating our operations to align with these standard protocols.

Yours truly,
Michael Thompson

9. Best techniques

“Best techniques” highlights the skill or way something is done that is considered superior. This option is both professional and formal, focusing on the ‘how’ of achieving excellence.

It’s especially suitable when you want to draw attention to the craftsmanship or skill involved in practices, making it ideal for creative or technical fields where how something is done is as critical as what is done.

And here’s an email using it:

Dear Creatives,

For our next campaign, focusing on these best techniques can elevate our output significantly.

All the best,
Julia Sanchez

10. Approved guidelines

“Approved guidelines” indicates practices that have gained formal approval, emphasizing compliance and adherence. This phrase is very professional and formal, aligning closely with “best practice” but with an added layer of official sanction.

This alternative is excellent for scenarios where there is a need to underline the authority or official endorsement behind the practices, making it very suitable for regulated industries or formal institutional settings.

Here’s a sample email:

Dear Participants,

For the upcoming workshop, please ensure familiarity with these approved guidelines to guarantee a smooth process.

Sincerely,
Heather Lopez

Final Thoughts

Finding different ways to say “best practice” can help keep your professional language fresh and engaging. Each alternative offers its own nuance, making your advice clearer or fitting better with the situation at hand. Whether you’re emphasizing the universal acceptance of a method with “industry standards” or the reliability of a method with “proven techniques,” these phrases enhance your communication.

Remember, the goal is not just to swap out words but to make your messages more precise and meaningful to your audience. By mixing up your language, you show thoughtfulness and adaptability in your professional interactions.