“Why?” is a critically important question to ask. It’s a challenging one to ask at times, and sometimes it’s a more challenging one to answer. What is less expected is when the people asking the question are seen as part of the problem, and not part of the solution. That doesn’t mean that we stop asking why. But we may need to think carefully about the way that we go about doing it.
The Importance of “Why?”
We get taught the principles of inquiry at a young age. Who, what, where, when, why and how are essential dimensions of the work we do and changes that we make. The question that we most lose site of, though, is “Why?”
Focus & Follow-Through
Know what you want. And go do it. These are the essential elements of success. There’s a very careful balance to walk here between doing for the sake of doing, and taking action because it will move us forward. And there is a simple test to know which is which.
Dreams & Reality
“Why are we doing that?” It sounds like a simple question. It often has a very complex answer. Getting to the essence of why is important for project success, but how we usually think about projects often gets in the way. Reframing the questions to get the answers that we need.
Busy vs. Engaged
There is a seductive appeal to being busy. It creates the illusion of engaged, involved, vital. It can also be a sign that we are avoiding what matters. Taken to extremes, we are overwhelmed with work and unable to find meaning.
It’s OK For People Not To Like You
Many of us struggle with the idea of negative feedback. We will go to great lengths to avoid it, and nonetheless will dwell endlessly on it when it insinuates itself in our orbit. We want people to like us, and we fear rejection. It’s going to happen anyway, and that’s okay.