Clear communication is very important as a leader. It is more important in tough times when the situation is not normal. Both employees and customers are always looking for information. So, the leaders always make efforts to put a lot of information in the presentations and reports that they are going to share with their teams. A leader needs to answer what, how and why for the teams to work effectively.

For example, only if the leader communicates to the teams that they need to work on additional projects compared to their current workload. How will the team react to this? Will they start planning for the work? Will they work on the schedule? No, they will first ask – Why? because they will not do something new or additional unless they are motivated to do so.

Leaders should focus on the “Why” and here are the three ways to help leaders to get to the core of the Why –

• What Questions

Ask your team some good what questions like – What will we get in return if we do or do not perform a task?  What does the future hold for us? The best way to get to the root of Why is by asking What multiple times till there is no what left unanswered.

• Considering Why is not enough

Just digging the Why is not enough. A leader needs to articulate why. Once the leader has successfully communicated the Why, he/she needs to follow up on the actions of the team. If the necessary actions to complete the tasks listed in the Why are completed.

• Address the resistance

Address the doubts and the resistance that the team is facing. Discuss with them why you eliminated certain ideas? Tell them what was the thinking that went behind the elimination process. By sharing your views on the ideas that you considered, looked at, verified, and then eliminated, you will demonstrate that you have considered all the possibilities.

Answering Why is the way of relating to the team. It will add a layer of influence to your communication. When the team knows why they are being asked to do a task or project, they are more likely to do it.  In tough times like these, both the customers and the employees need the knowledge from the leadership more than ever. As the leaders pursue to inspire and motivate their teams to succeed, do not forget to include the Why.

Written & Compiled by Faber Mayuri