Share Your "I Why"

Everyone has an “I Why.” It’s the reason you are working on something. It’s what you are trying to accomplish. Your “I Why” is critical to your ability to get things done, whether your goal is specific to your job or is on a greater scale. Okay, I’ll explain.

 The first place we see the value of “I Why” is around time management. So many people struggle with what they call ‘time management.’ They will say that no matter how hard they try they just can’t seem to get everything done. They will talk about how other people get in their way. That can look like people interrupting them, constant emails, or seemingly endless phone calls. Whatever people do, it disrupts any flow we are trying to establish.

 The first thing to embrace is that you can’t manage time. Time happens. You can, however, manage your decisions. The great thing about this is that when you can manage your decisions it includes deciding how to deal with those things that previously were getting in your way.

 One decision you can make is to share your “I Why” with anyone you engage with. For those people who you feel are interrupting your flow it looks like this:

Tell them what you are working on and how they can help you keep your focus. It’s about you, not them. That’s the “I.” When you tell them you are trying to accomplish something specific and need quiet space for a specific amount of time, that’s your “Why.”

Example: “I’m working on a report that is due tomorrow by noon. I really need to close myself off from everyone and everything for about 2 hours so I can get it done. I know me. If I don’t carve out this focused time I won’t be prepared by noon, AND, I’ll be really stressed. Can you help me with this? If you see anyone coming to my office/cubicle in the next couple of hours can you redirect them, or pop in and remind me? I think if I have an ally I’ll be more likely to follow through.”

 I explained what I am trying to get done with specific information. I also shared what my concern is, as well as the kind of help I could use. This is an “I Why.”

 When it comes to email or voicemail, sharing an “I Why” happens through messaging. For email you can add an autoresponder so that people who send you an email know you got it, and that you will respond later. It can look like this: “Thank you for your email. I’m currently working with a client or on a project. In an effort to be as effective as possible I check my email twice a day – at 10:30 and again at 3:30. Please be assured that I will respond promptly. If this is urgent, please call xxx-xxx-xxxx.” Once again, it’s about me (not them interrupting me) and my “Why” is my attempt to be effective. There’s no opportunity for the sender to wonder where I am, what I’m doing, and if I’ll ever respond to them.

 Voicemail can be handled the same way. Your message can let the caller know that you value them and will respond promptly. You can use the same sort of messaging to let them know why they might not hear from you immediately.

 Most people want to help us. They want to know what we are trying to accomplish. The thing people dislike the most is the unknown. When we don’t share our “I Why”  and how we manage our emails and voicemails they will fill the void with their own ideas. And usually those ideas are on the negative side.

“I Why” is critically important to growth as well. Every founder/business owner has an “I Why.” It’s the reason they started the business. It’s the vision, the goals. If the founder isn’t sharing their “I Why” consistently along with how other people contribute, progress will be rocky and slow. The people who work for and with you need to know your “I Why.” Don’t assume they know it because you shared it on their first day. Consistency matters. No matter what they are doing, they are impacting your ability to accomplish your goals. Knowing your “I Why” helps them buy in and feel invested. When your sales team is out building relationships they should know your “I Why” and how it relates to their own. When they can tell your story in their own voice they will connect with people. When they can connect your “I Why” to theirs they will be committed to success.

 So, think about your “I Why.” You may have some that are situational and others that are global. Embrace yours. Share it with others along with how they can help you achieve your “I Why.” You’ll find success much easier.

 ©2020 Seize This Day