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All true in isolation but... 1. Sometimes "why" can lead to analysis paralysis and procrastination. Sometimes "how" is better -- as in how do we best move on t

All true in isolation but... 1. Sometimes "why" can lead to analysis paralysis and procrastination. Sometimes "how" is better -- as in how do we best move on to a solution? 2. It depends on how the "why" is asked. If the asker is confrontational and implies the burden of proof is on the receiver, then the defensiveness might be warranted. In other words, sometimes people ask "why" because they are being contrarian dicks with axes to grind. 3. Sometimes you need time to think it through but the "why" asker expects your answer immediately and if you don't have one yet, uses this line of reasoning to conclude you must not have a good answer at all. It can be hard to have presence of mind in a situation like this and realize this fallacy is being thrusted upon you. Not a very fair setup.

Clubber 9y ago
Yes, those are all problems with asking why and usually show up in a bad environment. Even with all that said, it's the most important question. Your list is a great example as to why having a toxic work environment will kill innovation; because people are afraid to ask and understand, "why." 1. The "how" is often formed by the "why," as in "why are we writing this software?" What problem are we solving? If you can't answer this well, the "how" is irrelevant. Don't get me wrong, the "how" is important too, but the "how" is dependent on the why. 2. I agree some people are dicks about it. The best way to counter that is have a good answer to the "why," then ask the person if they have anything to add. If they are just doing it to be a prick, they usually don't have an answer, or come up with something stupid. If they have actually been thinking about it, they might contribute something you haven't thought of, and you'll just have to deal with their abrasiveness to get it. 3. You absolutely need to think about your "why." If you don't have a complete answer, then say so, but add that you are still "chewing on it." It is intimidating, that's why you should always have a good answer.

Clubber 9y ago

Yes, those are all problems with asking why and usually show up in a bad environment. Even with all that said, it's the most important question. Your list is a great example as to why having a toxic work environment will kill innovation; because people are afraid to ask and understand, "why." 1. The "how" is often formed by the "why," as in "why are we writing this software?" What problem are we solving? If you can't answer this well, the "how" is irrelevant. Don't get me wrong, the "how" is important too, but the "how" is dependent on the why. 2. I agree some people are dicks about it. The best way to counter that is have a good answer to the "why," then ask the person if they have anything to add. If they are just doing it to be a prick, they usually don't have an answer, or come up with something stupid. If they have actually been thinking about it, they might contribute something you haven't thought of, and you'll just have to deal with their abrasiveness to get it. 3. You absolutely need to think about your "why." If you don't have a complete answer, then say so, but add that you are still "chewing on it." It is intimidating, that's why you should always have a good answer.