There is a multitude of personality assessments on the market. Some are well researched and validated while others are mostly fun team building exercises. One of my own theories of personality is about how and why. My theory is not based on research nor is it a marketable commodity. My theory is based on years of working on projects and in programs of all shapes and sizes. My work focus has ranged from financial to clinical to system improvement to organization development to integration activities. In every situation, I find there are “why” people and there are “how” people. This orientation seems to be 2nd nature to the individual and is the “go to” place as a new idea is introduced or a problem needs solving.
You can tell if a person leans to “how” or to “why” by the questions they ask and by the information they provide or focus on. Of course, everyone will ask both types of questions but watch where a person goes first, where they spend most of their time and where they can get stuck.
It is important to know which camp your team members and key stakeholders fall into because your communication will need to be tailored to increase its effectiveness. You also need to be aware of your own bias to ensure the information you provide is sufficient for those with the other perspective.
I am a “how” person. I review situations by how something occurred, how a process works (or doesn’t work), how something needs to change or how something new should be implemented. I very quickly (sometimes too quickly) move to the how of action or execution. It is hard-wired in me. I have learned over my career that to get everyone on board you also have to spend time on the why of the situation. I also know through experience that the folks that focus on why uncover some very important information that the team will need to be successful.
I am pretty sure the Toad is epigenetically a “How” person too. I say this because when he was a wee lad I did not get bombarded by the incessant “why Momma?” questions. I got the incessant “How Momma?” questions. I learned very quickly that his generation will never accept the notion of not knowing (i.e. “Toad I don’t know how a velociraptor would beat a triceratops in a fight”). Even as a toddler his immediate response to “I don’t know” was “Google it Momma – Google it!” As we integrate new generations into our teams, the “how” and “why” distinction may remain but technology is completely shifting our response to these needs.
If you want to discuss how my experience can help move your work forward please contact me at treetoadconsulting@gmail.com. If you want some insight into why I do what I do please check out my professional mission statement on my website at www.treetoadconsulting.com or contact me at 250-215-2626.