Reason Why

“Giving the reason why” is probably the most difficult thing for me to do and it might have to do with my wiring.

I’m not the type of person to ask why. If I’m asked to do something, I – generally – just do it. Unless some bells start to ring.

This is when I usually ask why and I assumed, for a very long time, that people would just ask why if they need to.

Turns out this is not the case and if we are to embrace the extreme ownership philosophy, then it is within our responsibility to ensure that our team and family understand why you are asking them to do something.

This is for me, the hardest to implement at home with the little padawan. For a long time, I’ve been having debates with my wife that I do expect him to “do as he is told”.

Boy was I ever wrong.

I was still on the fence about having to explain every single little thing I am asking him to do. Sometimes, I feel, he just needs to do it. But then, as I think about it, it shouldn’t be an “order” but rather an optional request.

If I really need him to do something a certain way and at a certain time, then explaining why is imperative.

Explaining why, coupled with stating expectations, will help to reduce complaints and will encourage compliance. I’ve noticed that recently.

Although I have seen positive results from this concept, it is still difficult for me to remember to explain it but like anything else, it needs to conscious practice.