Navigating Leadership Uncertainty: The Shift from 'Why' to 'What'

In the maze of leadership and self-improvement, the quest for self-awareness often leads us to the introspective question, “Why?” We ask this to understand our emotions, behaviours, and attitudes, hoping to uncover the hidden depths of our psyche.

However, research, including my own, presents a conundrum: introspection, particularly the “why” approach, often leads us astray, leaving us less self-aware and satisfied with our jobs and lives.

In our 121 debrief after a keynote delivered at a recent global climate change conference, a client asked, "Why do I keep doing X, Deon?" I responded with, "What makes you certain you'll find the answer to why? A better question is to ask yourself, what can I do next time to improve X?" Simple but a game-changer.

Let’s dissect this paradox and explore how reorienting our introspective lens can empower leaders to navigate uncertain times with confidence and clarity, especially in public speaking.

The Pitfalls of “Why”

When we reflect with “why” questions, we delve into a treacherous territory where unconscious biases and emotions often overpower our rational mind. We seek answers to questions like, “Why do I prefer one employee over another?” or “Why did I react harshly in that meeting?” Unfortunately, our introspective quests often lead to fabricated answers that feel accurate but are misleading.

A classic example is a manager attributing an outburst to their inadequacy in their role, while the actual trigger might be something as mundane as low blood sugar. The issue with introspection here isn’t its ineffectiveness; we're wielding it inaccurately.

In addition, self-reflection, when misapplied, breeds overconfidence in flawed self-perceptions. The human mind, rarely a paragon of rationality, tends to cling to these introspective “insights” without critical evaluation. This tunnel vision overlooks contradictory evidence, forcing our thoughts to align with our initial, often erroneous, explanations.

The Introspective Spiral: From Analysis to Rumination

Another unintended consequence of the “why” approach is its propensity to spiral into negative rumination. In my 20 years of research, I have found that highly introspective individuals are prone to dwell on negative thoughts. This rumination often focuses on personal fears, insecurities, and perceived shortcomings rather than on a balanced assessment of situations.

For instance, an employee pondering over a poor performance review with the question, “Why did I get such a bad rating?” is likely to fixate on personal failings instead of constructively assessing their strengths and areas for improvement. This pattern, as research shows, is linked to increased depression, anxiety, and lower well-being.

The Power of “What”: Reframing Self-Refection

My work with leaders and speakers cultivating high-performing introspection practices to speak with impact sets a striking pattern: I ensure they never ask “why.” Instead, their introspection is dominated by “what” questions. “What” inquiries help us maintain objectivity, focus on the future, and feel empowered to act on our insights.

In the context of public speaking, a skill crucial for leaders in turbulent times, applying the “what” framework can be life-changing. I have used these three pivotal questions to get my clients to continuously ask themselves:

1. What did I do well and should do more of? This question encourages positive reflection, allowing leaders to recognise and build upon their strengths.
2. What can I do to improve next time? This inquiry promotes constructive self-assessment, unlike the self-critique that often follows “why” questions. It guides us to pinpoint specific areas for enhancement.
3. What am I grateful for? Gratitude, often overlooked in improving performance, is a powerful tool. It shifts focus from shortcomings to positives, fostering a mindset conducive to growth and resilience. In public speaking, gratitude might stem from the opportunity to influence the learning gained from feedback or simply the experience of connecting with an audience.

Embracing “What” in Times of Uncertainty

As leaders and speakers, our journey towards self-awareness and excellence in public speaking is continuous. In an era marked by unpredictability, mastering the true art of self-reflection with the right questions is not just a personal endeavour but a leadership imperative.

By shifting from “why” to “what,” we open doors to more accurate self-awareness, constructive self-improvement, and a mindset geared towards positive action. This approach enhances our public speaking skills and equips us to navigate the tumultuous waters of leadership with more confidence, clarity, and resilience.

The path to true self-awareness and resilient leadership in uncertain times is paved with “what” questions. They are the compass that guides us through the maze of impactful communication, ensuring we don’t lose our way.