The Common Thread

If you have ever had the occasion to be around a small child, you’ll know how tiresome it can become when every answer you give them is followed by “why?” But think about it. As irritating as it may seem, that’s how they learn. Without that inquisitive streak, they would never acquire knowledge.

Unfortunately, as we progress into adulthood, our thirst for knowledge does not always seem so eager to be quenched. In an attempt to get through our busy work day, we sometimes just go through the motions in an attempt to get the job done, never stopping to question why we are undertaking these tasks in the first place or would it make sense to do anything differently.

Many moons ago, at the end of my first year of employment with the British Government, I received my annual review. My reporting officer commented that I always wanted to know why, not just how, I was to accomplish my assigned duties. Now, whether he meant this as a compliment, or if he was insinuating that I was as annoying to him as a two year old child, I didn’t have the nerve to ask. However, as I enter the fourth decade of my working life, I am thrilled to see that similar comments have continued to feature in my annual reviews. It indicates to me that I am interested and involved enough in my duties to want to know everything about the tasks that I am assigned. And, when it is clear why practices, or tasks, need to be executed in a certain way, or need to be consistent, it removes confusion, adds clarity, promotes understanding (and can even remove resentments). Often, when we ask why, better hows can be implemented, creating even more efficient best practices.

So next time you’re asked to take on a new set of duties, or you’re asked to do some on the job training, ask/explain why things are done in a certain manner, not just how. I believe that it makes for a more well-rounded employee!

Next month I’ll deal with “whatevvver”!