Explain To Your Team Why Things

Must Be Done
Why = Understanding = Maximum Effort = Increased Results.

By Mark David

(Part 8 of 30)

Definition

The more your team understands WHY something needs to be done, the more
motivated they are to perform the activity. Take the time to explain WHY to your
team members. This provides them with stability, enables you to obtain their buy-in
and demonstrates your respect for them. It also increases the speed with which
actions are performed. It ignites questions that can be addressed immediately.

Explaining WHY shows the team that you are interested in teaching them This is
important because it empowers them, builds loyalty and broadens their
understanding of the business. It also gives each team member a better base from
which to make decisions.

Explaining to your team members WHY things must be done is a habit that leads to
positive outcomes. If you are giving someone a very important task, take an extra
moment to confirm their understanding of the project and to obtain their feedback.
This will prevent mistakes and save you many stress-filled hours in the future.

Example

A top Sales Professional needed a proposal typed for an important prospect. On the
way out to lunch, he told the sales assistant to complete it for him within the hour.
He simply dropped it on her desk and barked out his request without asking about
her workload for the afternoon.

Shortly after, the lowest-performing Sales Professional came to the assistant and
asked her to type a proposal for him. He explained WHY he needed it done as soon
as possible and described the importance of getting it out for him. She immediately
placed his proposal to the top of her list since he had taken the time to inform her of
the urgency of the task.

Explaining WHY made a huge difference in this situation. The lowest performing
Sales Professional was able to make a sale and formed a positive relationship with
the sales assistant that continued to pay off in the future. The top Sales
Professional's sale was compromised since the proposal he needed wasn't finished
within his time line.