Understanding a situation clearly is the experiential result of putting the ‘what’ before the ‘how.’ When we understand the what and why, the right how tends to present itself. Understanding the what leads to the best how.
I recently observed a community meeting where supposed goals were being discussed. The conversation consisted completely of how we were going to do this thing – without a word spoken to the what and why of the thing. The assumption was that we all understood this thing simply because it was stated as a goal. The assumption was incorrect.
I preach the what and why … and in so doing, I’m not ignoring planning. I preach and teach what and why so we, as Leaders, can bring life to planning.
Leaders set goals that clearly engage us in the what and why – this is real planning. They then lead us to see the best how in moving towards achieving the goal. Leading to the right and best how – through the what and why – is how a Leader brings life to the planning process.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in a meeting and thought, “This is a waste of my time.” We all have had that experience. If I don’t buy into the idea in the first place, what good will I be in planning its implementation? Now I’m not only an ill-used human resource, I’m annoyed.
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