Tell Me Why

The Art of Why

Hey… play with me a bit…

• Why is the sky blue?
• Why are you doing that?
• Why not do that?
• What’s your ‘why’?

One little word, so many different impacts. Sometimes asking ‘why’ comes off as a challenge, sometimes ‘why’ feels full of purpose. And sometimes it feels like the curiosity of a kindergartener. Interesting, isn’t it? Why talk about ‘why’? Well, it is a powerful word. In our work and life relationships, it can be used to build trust and connection, or it can be used in a way that creates friction and unproductive challenge. When I train coaches to ask powerful questions, I teach them to avoid using ‘why’. Try starting questions with ‘what’ or ‘how’ instead and see what happens.

Let’s play with it. I’m going to use a little more ‘why not’ for a while. I’ll be super curious what comes up for you. Here’s some things to try with your ‘why’…

• Get curious… ask lot’s of questions, play like a 5 year old.
• Ask yourself ‘why not’?
• Get connected to your bigger ‘why’, your purpose or why you’re here
• Wonder about the people and organizations around you –what’s their ‘why’?
• Start your questions with ‘what’ instead of ‘why’

Have a fantastic weekend!

Barb