Understanding Your 'Why’ is the key to process excellence; Here’s why

We’ve all heard it before: Start with why.

It’s advice we’ve encountered in many contexts—whether launching a new venture, making a career move, or defining our life’s purpose.

Coaches and mentors often remind us to "start with why" because understanding our reason drives motivation and persistence.

But how often do we apply this principle to the processes we manage daily?

How often do we ask, "Why is this step necessary?" even when we’re in the thick of it?

Many would say it’s pointless—why ask "why" when there are set guidelines to follow?

A coworker once told me, "I don’t need to know why things are done; I just need to know how to get it done."

But my curiosity could never settle for that. (Gen Z and some millennials would understand this reference, lol.)

I want to know why each step exists, how it contributes to the bigger picture, and why it was prioritized over another.

For instance, why does Step A come before Step B? Why were these specific processes grouped together?

If you're like me and you believe in using curiosity to drive improvement, then you are one step closer to achieving your goals.

Let's dive into the benefits of understanding the ‘WHY’ in any process and how that can drive process improvement to ensure that organizational goals are not only achieved but exceeded.

PS: Understanding the 'why' isn't just a philosophical exercise—it's a practical tool for process improvement.

This principle isn't just theoretical; it’s something I’ve applied in my own work.

Recently, I worked on a project with a cross-functional team to identify the root causes of bottlenecks in their processes.

By asking targeted questions about the sequence of steps and the rationale behind them, we discovered that a simple misunderstanding of the importance of each step was causing significant delays and inefficiencies.

This experience reaffirmed that understanding the 'why' behind each step is crucial for preventing bottlenecks and driving continuous improvement.

When my coworker asked me if this wasn’t a waste of time, my response was simple: "Understanding the why behind a process equips you to solve problems when deviations arise."

Many organizations excel in executing the "how"—how to implement processes efficiently, how to follow standard operating procedures, or how to achieve short-term targets—but often miss out on the "why."

Yet, without understanding the underlying reasons for each step, these efforts risk falling short of their full potential.

While focusing on the "how" is necessary for effective implementation, it is understanding the "why" that can uncover hidden opportunities for innovation and improvement.

In essence, understanding the why keeps you one step ahead of your competition.

The Importance of Understanding the 'Why' in Process Improvement:

Better Decision-Making and Adaptability:

Knowing the purpose behind every step allows for better decision-making, especially when faced with unexpected changes.

If you understand why a step exists, you can adapt or modify it intelligently without compromising the overall goal.

Example: In a manufacturing process, understanding why a particular material is used can help identify alternatives in case of a supply chain disruption, reducing downtime and maintaining production quality.

Enhanced Problem Solving:

When a deviation occurs, those who understand the "why" are better equipped to diagnose the root cause.

It’s not just about following a set protocol—it’s about knowing which parts of the process are critical and which can be adjusted.

Real-World Insight: Consider Toyota's renowned "Five Whys" technique, where they ask "why" five times to identify the root cause of a problem.

This practice has been instrumental in their lean manufacturing approach, leading to significant reductions in waste and inefficiencies.

Improved Employee Engagement and Innovation:

Employees who understand the purpose behind their tasks are more engaged and motivated.

They see themselves as contributors to the bigger picture, not just cogs in a machine. This sense of purpose can lead to more innovative ideas and process improvements.

Data Insight: According to Gallup, teams with high engagement are 21% more productive. When employees understand the "why," they are more likely to take ownership and suggest meaningful improvements.

Stronger Alignment with Organizational Goals:

Understanding the "why" aligns teams with the organization's broader objectives.

It ensures that everyone is working toward the same goals, which is crucial for strategic initiatives and achieving long-term success.

Case Study: When Apple developed the iPhone, they didn’t just focus on the "how" of making a phone but the "why"—to create a device that would revolutionize communication.

This clear understanding of their purpose drove innovation and set them apart from competitors.

Proactive Risk Management:

Understanding why a process is in place enables you to identify potential risks early on.

It provides a framework for assessing whether a deviation is a threat or an opportunity and allows for more proactive risk management.

Example: In quality control, knowing why specific checkpoints are established helps teams recognize early warning signs of quality issues before they escalate into major problems.

Conclusion:

Starting with the "why" isn’t just a motivational mantra—it’s a strategic approach to process improvement that can lead to better decision-making, enhanced problem-solving, and greater alignment with organizational goals.

By understanding the reasons behind each step, you position yourself and your organization to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing environment.

So next time you’re following a process, don’t just ask, “How do I do this?” Ask, “Why am I doing this?” It might just lead to your next breakthrough.

What’s your approach to understanding the “why” in your processes? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments!