Why?

Children love to play the game "Why".  Their curious hearts demand answers to questions most mature persons would dismiss or not even think about in the first place. 

“Why are we going to the grocery store? To get some food to eat.  Why? Because if we don't eat our tummies will be hungry. Why? Because our stomachs are made to tell us when we need food so that we can have strength and energy.  Why? Because we need strength and energy to live our lives each day.  Why? Because... That why.”

You have probably played a round of this kind of game with a child at some point in the past.  The endless quest for answers to "why" can be exhausting. The tendency is to give up and simply respond, "because" or "because I said so".  As a leader, you will surely experience the game of "why" on a totally different scale.  The questions will not come from a toddler going through a phase, but from persons who have been entrusted as co-laborers, followers, and fellow leaders under your responsibility.

Answering “why” is one of the most important functions of a leader.  You can set direction, task people according to their strengths, and track productivity with excellence.  However, if no knows why they are doing what they are doing the key motivation is not present.  Giving a person the answer to “why” provides a window into the mission and vision of your organization. 

When you answer “why” for those you lead, it helps them to see their part in accomplishing what the organization has set out to do.  From the janitor to the CEO, everyone has to understand why his or her position matters to the mission.  When you answer the question, “why” it aligns everyone in a common direction toward a common cause.  It guards the organization from drifting because everyone has the goal in mind.

Answer the big “Why” for your people.  When you do, you are pouring fuel on the fire of your mission.