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If You Want It You Will Ask How
Leadership / Dualities
A simple test to gauge someone's real motivation.
The Pattern
When you propose something to someone:
- If they want to do it, they ask "How?" - they're looking for a path forward.
- If they don't want to do it, they ask "Why?" - they're looking for reasons to reject.
For Leaders
This isn't about forcing people to say yes. It's a diagnostic tool:
- If your team keeps asking "why" about a direction, they're not bought in. Address motivation before execution.
- If they immediately ask "how," you've got alignment. Help them execute.
Watch Out
- Legitimate "why" questions are healthy. Not every "why" is resistance.
- The difference is in the tone and pattern. Repeated "why" signals discomfort with the direction.
- Sometimes people are right to resist. Listen to the "why."
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