The Mechanics of Tasking 3/5 — Good tasks start with Why

Good tasks begin, and end, with ‘Why’

The first question we learn is “Why?” and regardless of how long we live, we’ll never stray far from asking it. From cradle to grave it’s the question that drives us forward. It’s how we determine how the world works, our place in it, the importance of everything around us, how things relate to each other and even the meaning of life - if any. It’s no less important in the task of delegating work.

There’s a line of thought that argues employees don’t need reasons, they just need direction. That a manager’s role is not to explain the importance of a task - just to assign it. In my experience, both as the giver and taker of work, we need both reason and direction. If we’re expected to show any degree of initiative, then knowing the ‘whys’ of any task is crucial.