the why behind "the why"

Dear you,

Sometime last year, my bae and I were taking a pleasant walk when we spotted a man watering some plants. The plants were arranged in a beautiful cluster in front of the fence of this magnificent house. This estate was one of the most famous and had a reputation for the quality of people who lived there. This particular house was unique. It was difficult to miss. But even more fascinating was this man. I initially thought he was a gardener, but upon closer observation, I realized he was the gateman. He was fascinating because he held the hose towards the plant cluster and was watering the leaves of the plants. The water was barely touching the soil. It trickled and splashed from the leaves into a gutter by the side. He quickly got distracted and re-directed the hose to the front of the gate. He sprayed the water on the gate, rinsed it, washed the cemented floor, and all the water found its way to the gutter.

I was confused. He was supposed to be watering the plants, but he instead rinsed the plant leaves, the gate, the cemented area leading to the gate, and his feet. However, he did not water the plants. Finally, it occurred to me that he didn't understand what it meant to water a plant and why what he was doing was important.

I remembered this experience today because I went over to one of my friend's studio. At the Estate gate entrance, the security men were supposed to check the car's trunk. Instead, the man on duty just glossed over this task for three vehicles, feeling drained from the repetitive task, but I realized that if he understood "the why," he would do it more intentionally.

I once watched a US customs lady on TV talk about her job. She saw herself as a protector of the nation. She saw her job as super important because she felt what she let in or confiscated could make the difference in the lives of the citizens and economy. She gave an example of a plant that was let into the country and how it introduced a new pest that destroyed a crop and affected the economy in its own way. She explained that she was the gate protecting the citizens from harmful substances, pests, and things that could potentially harm her country negatively. She knew her why and that made her feel her job was important.

Helping people understand "the why" behind the instructions you give, their task, or even their jobs empower them to do better and give it their all. It helps them find the importance within their jobs. It gives them a REASON to care. If that gateman understood why he was watering the plants and the value in that, he probably would have done it differently, not half-heartedly. He probably would have asked questions on the best way to water such a plant. If the gateman knew why he had to search people's trunks and how people who lived in the estate depended on him as the protector of their lives and properties, he probably would approach his job differently.

Take advantage of an opportunity to share the why behind activities. It would make a huge difference. Also, if you currently work for someone or doing something or are unsure of the purpose, it doesn't hurt to ask for the WHY. It could make all the difference in your perspective and, therefore, your action.

With Love,

Blessing Abeng.