Contributing to engagement

My Wednesday Wish for You: Explain the Why

Have you ever been on the receiving end of a “because I said so” or “that’s just how we do it”? It doesn’t feel great—and it certainly doesn’t inspire you to go the extra mile.

As leaders, when we issue rules or instructions without context, we may get compliance, but we miss the opportunity for engagement. And engagement is where the magic happens.

Explaining why something matters—why the rule exists, why the task is important, or how a decision was made—helps people connect the dots. It signals that they are smart enough to understand the big picture and trusted enough to take ownership. When people understand the purpose, they are more likely to embrace the process, look for improvements, and exceed expectations.

Ownership doesn’t happen by command—it happens by invitation. When we invite others into the “why,” we open the door for creativity, accountability, and innovation. We also free ourselves from micromanaging, because engaged employees don’t need hand holding—they need direction and trust.

So next time you’re communicating a decision or process, pause and add the “why.” It may take an extra minute, but it builds clarity, trust, and commitment that lasts far longer.

My Wednesday Wish for you is this: lead in a way that invites understanding and inspires ownership—because when you explain the why, you unlock the full potential of your team.

Are you investing the time and resources to grow personally and professionally?