Growing up I was often afraid to ask 'why' for fear that I was wasting people’s time or bothering the class with a question that they already knew the answer to. Now, I ask the question ‘why’ more than most 3 year olds. And finally, I think my company and my coworkers are actually lucky that I have the courage to do so. Asking ‘why’ isn’t a sign of weakness and it certainly isn’t a sign of stupidity.
I admire people who ask why. It shows that they have a love for what they do, they care enough about whatever the topic is to learn more and they aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and explore the reasoning behind a decision, strategic position or plan.
Today I spoke at Marquette over the lunch hour to students who want to know more about professionals and life after Marquette . I hope to impress upon each of them the importance of growing as a professional, identifying what drives you as a person and the necessity of asking ‘why’ early on to best understand the direction you are headed. Aside from just asking 'why' as it relates to business and marketing plans, make sure to check back with yourself when you accept a job offer, pass an offer by or decide to leave an industry completely. At times it may be appropriate to say, ‘why not?’ – But other times, make sure you have solid reasoning behind your decisions.
One of the panelists, Jon Adler, said that he has always been far more curious than he is smart. He was on to something. A lot of people are born smart or intellectually gifted, but not everyone has a curious personality. Although it’s only three letters, ‘why’ can be one of the most challenging and telling ‘W’ questions you’ll be faced with over the course of your professional life. Embrace it.
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