Know-how and Know-why
There is an interesting article over the Harvard Working Knowledge website titled Is There Too Little “Know Why” in Business? People usually focus on the processes, on the control structures, on the know-how. What about the know-why? That is, not only running but also knowing where and why you are running.
Quoting the article: “The problem is we get so caught up in the nitty gritty of implementation that we forget why we are here in the first place …. ‘Why’ is just as important as the ‘How’; they are not mutually exclusive.”
I think this problem is particularly relevant on our modern, information based society. Change is not only pervasive, but its also accelerating. The result is that companies and managers get overwhelmed trying to develop new products faster, trying to satisfy the expectations of shareholders, trying to beat the sales targets and so on. All that while forgetting why they are there in the first place and what is the real purpose of their organization.
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I think thats true with everyone. They get caught up and forget why they did it in the first place, I dont believe that goes just to business but to marriage, friendships, any type of relationship and every time you deal with something in life I think it really helps to remember why you are doing it.
I spent about 7 hours making a message board for my fiance who then in turn has not posted on it but insisted on having it. Does it bother me yes? But I know why I did it. And it makes me less annoyed.
I think having a sense of purpose is starting to dawn on the masses. I never thought I’d be relating to a Harvard Business School article but I have to say that it is my sole purpose currently to find the “Why” of what I’m doing. Currently in the middle of a midlife shift, I’m finding myself unable to move forward with any confidence without knowing the answer to this question.
Camille NOW