When you’re asked to do something, a small task or a project, how often do you stop to think about the why?

This careful moment of reflection, understanding the reasoning, will empower you to complete projects more efficiently and creatively while performing above expectations.

A few real life examples of when understanding the why is so valuable are:

• When preparing for interviews. Your potential employer asks you questions because they are trying hopefully trying to evaluate: Will you provide more value than you will cost me? If you understand this, think creatively and evaluate if you should prioritize coming to the interview with a brainstorm of ideas of how to add value or a perfectly memorized and recited elevator pitch?
• When getting to know someone and they ask what you studied in school, the why could be because they want to get deeper insights on your interests and if you have any similarities. Think creatively to provide relevant information on things you love!
• When given an assignment to explain a product, service, or functionality a big why is to come away with a better understanding of the topic at hand. This requires you to think creatively about how to understand the information in a way that makes sense to you.

Too often we forget why and are found mentally confined to abiding by the letter of the law.

What is the why? Find it and come up with a creative answer to it.