Too many managers want to learn “how” in terms of detailed practices and behaviors and techniques, rather than “why” in terms of philosophy and general guidance for action.” – Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert I Sutton in The Knowing Doing Gap, 2000
Managing by a set of hows is like trying to drive using snap shots of another windshield taken by someone else weeks ago. Your success depends on how closely those old snapshots represent the current reality.
Managing by why is about seeing the road ahead with your own eyes, yet carrying with you all those who have driven this way before. Why allows for subtle or significant changes and adapts, then adapts again, and adapts again.
I strive to give you more why than how at this blog. Feel free to challenge me on it if I don’t achieve my goal.
Let’s have a great week driving change!
