Build WHY into your culture
by Miki SaxonImage credit: melodi2 CC license
You know how things stick in your mind? Last week Steve Roesler wrote a great post on the importance of ‘why’. It really resonated because I am such a why person—as opposed to a who/what/where/when type.
Steve asked “Why” Does This Matter?
Purpose and Context. That’s why.
The human condition requires context for what’s being asked or done.
“Why” Brings You Clarity and Confidence
He also says, “If you and I are at all alike, one immediate reaction to “Why?” is often defensiveness. (“How dare you question my thinking?”)”
(All of you looking to make “employee engagement” more than a buzzword should read Steve’s post.)
A couple of days later, a comment in a story about GM’s condition as it turns 100 connected with Steve’s in my mind.
In it analyst Kevin Tynan of New York-based Argus Research Corp said, “You get so married to the history that you can’t go forward.”
Also know as not-invented-here syndrome.
That’s the virus that almost killed IBM, Rolm and HP to name just a few, and has crippled Detroit.
Obviously, ‘why’ wasn’t/isn’t very popular in such companies.
How do you react when your people ask ‘why’?
