A 'good practice' can be defined as activity designed to achieve a desired result using a proven, recommended, approved and legal set of actions. The key word here is proven in the sense the practice
is based upon application, not theory. As is often said, its all about "doing things the right way rather than just doing things right". Practices are managed to a lifecycle that spans common, best, good and next, as described next:
Start with Common Practice Start your journey to good practices and a continuous opportunity for improvement by finding practices that are generally accepted in the industry as 'commonly used' or standard. These might not be 'best', but they do provide a starting point and basis for comparison. Select the best.
Transform Best into Good through Results A 'best practice' is one generally regarded as a theoretically sound. It lacks empirical proof of achieving a specific result and is proposed by a community of practice as a standard, or minimum basis for a practice. Best is transformed into good by its application to help achieve your desired results.
Build a Foundation for Improvement and Next A good practice produces a known result consistently and cost effectively. It meets or exceeds your requirements. Once stabilized, socialized and its benefits realized and stated, a good practice is available for innovation and the foundation for your next practice.