There’s a quote that says “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” It’s often attributed to Oscar Wilde, but in fact its origins lie with Charles Caleb Colton, who wrote it in a book of aphorisms back in 1820.
And while the phrase has endured for over 200 years, so has the debate about its truth. Because in practice, imitation can do more harm than good.
When training products, approaches, or even branding are copied, it doesn’t simply “flatter” the original. It dilutes ideas, confuses the sector, and risks lowering standards when shortcuts are taken. Copying might create the illusion of innovation, but it rarely delivers the impact of it.
Real impact comes from collaboration.
In the housing and not-for-profit sector, challenges are complex and constantly evolving. Replicating what already exists only narrows the field. Working together to co-design and innovate, on the other hand, expands it. Collaboration brings diversity of thought, lived experience, and professional expertise. It multiplies creativity and ensures solutions are tailored, relevant, and lasting.
That’s why at Big Picture Training, we co-design with experts from across the sector with practitioners, leaders, and specialists who bring lived insight into what really works.
It’s also why we collaborate with organisations such as the Australasian Housing Institute (AHI) and Australian Community Housing (ACH) to ensure our training reaches a wide audience, is grounded in the needs of the sector and aligned with professional standards.
Organisations don’t need more “lookalike” training products. They need approaches that are developed with them, not just for them. Solutions that adapt to the reality on the ground and strengthen both people and systems.
Our focus has always been on creating with, not copying from. Because the truth is simple: imitation might flatter, but collaboration transforms.
Together, we can achieve far more than any of us can alone.