Always Ask Why*

I love the word why, almost as much as my hero Socrates (below) does — he’s father of critical thinking and he had a great beard, what’s not to love? Why and I can often be found together, basking in the sun, frolicking in the surf, enjoying quality time. I tuck why up in bed at night because why is one of the key weapons in the project manager’s armoury. Sure, there are other questions, why’s siblings *how*, *what*, *when* and *who*, but why is the gateway to ace delivery. Let me explain why (sorry, not sorry).

Why is the first question the PM should ask when they start on a project. Why assumes nothing and challenges everything. Why stops people in their tracks, it focuses the mind. Why helps highlight the problem you’re trying to solve. Why provides a glorious opportunity to derive knowledge, to cultivate understanding, to dive beneath the surface. Why helps establish that most elusive of things: the business need driving the project. With the business need defined, the PM can ensure they deliver what the client needs, and never lose track of what is required.

Beware, though, because why is designed to make you and others think. It can, therefore, be seen as a challenge to authority. It can be taken personally. Remember to preface any why question(s) with the following: the more I understand, the better I am at my job.

So next time someone asks why, don’t take it personally. It could be the start of something beautiful, delivering what you (or your client) need.

* This lesson does not apply to children. There should be a statutory limit on their use of the word why, IMO…