The How Affects the Why?

Photo By Dairdra-D
The How Affects the Why?  By Arnie Wohlgemut

Stop asking yourself “why”. It’s not helping you. 

  • Why means – for what reason, because, etc.

Why is used for questions on what you see, hear or feel. Why questions invariably lead to more questions and distract your focus on action.

Why did that contract not work?

Why am I not successful?

Why is my client not happy?

Why am I always so far behind in my work?

Solving our toughest problems may not be as simple as asking better questions, but it’s certainly the right way to start.

Clayton Christensen
  • How means – in what manner, by what method, with what means, etc.

How is used for questions of quantity and degree. How can quickly lead to an answer because, it requires you to focus on the changes needed or actions to be taken.

Photo by Jonathan Brown

How could I have made that contract work?

How can I be more successful?

How will I meet my client’s expectations?

How am I ever going to get all this work done?

I know that why you do things can motivate your team, and achieve buy-in. However, success in today’s world, is measured by your answers to the “how”questions, not by simply knowing the why.