Ask WHY ?
Paremvir Malik ????
????? ?????? ??????? ! ?? Ethics Driven Passionate HR Leader & Mentor, MNC & Startup HR, OD, HRIS, Policy & Systems Expert. ??GEM OF MENTOR INDIA (NITI AAYOG, GoI). ?? My PASSION is intimidating for cribbers & fakes.
Hello Friends !
Wonderful Start to the Day :-) !
Challenged "?#?Aristotle?" this morning... :-) ! "There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing" - Aristotle
?#?MyPerspective... "Even then you wont be spared.... as even beggars are criticized :-) or else you should be living in a deep uninhabited forest"
Seems #Aristotle missed this fact of life, that you will always be surrounded by humans and they will not miss a opportunity.
We simply believed what people say without even questioning the logic just because they may be very famous personalities. I sincerely believe that this simple looking word "Why" is a wonderful gift to mankind provided we are not shy, afraid, hesitant to use it.
Its unfortunate that often use of this word is seen as a sign of low IQ, disagreement, opposition or an act of in subordination, whereas actually it is a request for more information. A convincing and logical response to the request definitely leads to enhanced mutual understanding on a given point, better quality of association and commitment.
Remember Einstein, the boy with many questions and labelled as lowest IQ by his teacher only to become the most famous and admired inventor on the planet.
So why are we uncomfortable with Why ? becoz,
1.EGO Factor : We perceive it as a difference of opinion challenging our point of view. If the question is from a younger or junior then it also tends to hurt our EGO.
2.TEST Factor : The onus is on us now to give a convincing and logical response to the requester, which we perceive as test of our given subject knowledge. If we have an audience to convince, then we tend to get nervous as a mass is evaluating you.
3.CULTURE Factor : Most of the societies have a upbringing style wherein "Don't Question Your Elders" culture is strongly advocated as a sign of obedience and respect. Similarly, their are organisations which ensure as a sign of disciplined orientation.
4.PATIENCE Factor : Many a times people are in hurry or emotionally attached to implement their plans put forth immediately and a unaddressed "why" is perceived as impediment to the execution, they are unwilling to relook or contemplate upon the plans due to their impatience.
So does the above mean that you should not ask "WHY" ?
I strongly believe that you should ask "WHY" irrespective of your age or seniority or the group you may be surrounded with, becoz it is your moral duty to be clear about the reasons you are performing a specific tasks as a clear understanding motivates sincere efforts which lead to successful results;
Remember... Arjuna asked Krishna numerous questions until he was convinced why should he fight ! Mahabharata is all about power of convinced warriors vis-a-vis the compelled ones.. the result says all. So is true in todays world, if you are not convinced you will never be able to give your 100%.
I agree the way you ask WHY especially you body language also plays an important role, thus take care that you seek and request like Arjuna the responder will have to respond accordingly.
Some tips on how to ask WHY without offending...
1.Be Polite as like Arjuna
2.Don't interrupt, raise your hand if the question is urgent when in a group.
3.Note your question if not urgent to ask later or in person.
4.Give time to responder to contemplate and revert back to you.
5.Do self research too and discuss with subject matter experts or responder, people appreciate when a question is also supported with possible solutions.
6.Make a sincere effort to understand the responders point of view as 2+2=4 and 1+3 also = 4.
Finally, let us encourage freedom to ask "WHY" to gain more insights and refine understandings on subjects for better results and relationships.
Have A Great Day Ahead :-) !