The theory that “those who know how work for those who know why” is extremely relevant in cultures worldwide. It ultimately separates the wolves from the sheep in terms of careers, and other various pursuits in life. To start, let’s dissect the term and give it more meaning. The easiest way to do this is to fill in the gaps: Those who know how ____ work for those who know why ____.
I’ll use a job that I once held as an example: Those who know how to be a good server at Chilies work for those who know why they need a good server at Chilies.
How to be a good server: greet table in a timely manner, look presentable, be personable, etc.
Why having a good server is important: A good server will bring in more customers, who will buy more food, which will make the restaurant more money, which will rank the restaurant higher in its chain of corporate competitors, etc.
Do you see where I’m going with this? Not to downgrade being a server at any restaurant, but it’s far easier to learn how to do something than to really evaluate all of the pros and cons and learn why various components of a system must be working cohesively to progressively further the system. Regardless of how competently an individual completes a task, if they never learn the importance of why they are doing it, they are limiting their opportunities to advance; which, in turn, keeps them stuck on the low end of the totem pole.
In my example, the server that simply comes to work and makes no effort to learn why their job is important will be far less likely to be given the opportunity for promotion and the ability to climb the corporate ladder; consequently, loss of greater financial stability. As Ph.D. Randal S. Hansen states in this article “It goes without saying that one of the best ways to succeed in getting a promotion is to expand your knowledge and skills sets in areas that are critical to the organization” (#5. Acquire new knowledge and skills).
One might argue that simply knowing why will not ensure you a more prominent position, or a higher salary; which is true. There are various other necessary attributes involved to help yourself move forward (e.g. establishing professional relationships at work, being charismatic, etc.). An article in USA Today even stated that, “charisma has become important to business executives," (Para. 1) and goes on to mention the power that it really can have over people. There are many notable ways of furthering yourself; however, the main point here is that “knowing why” is a crucial step in doing so and further illustrates the proposal that “those who know how work for those who know why”.
On another note, one may find comfort and fulfillment in their current role and feel no need to proceed. I feel it’s also important to emphasize the role of the “know how” individual in the bigger scheme of things; without them, the entire system would fail. It really just comes down to good decision making and deciding what’s best for you (e.g. options, consequences, values, and risks). As our text states in chapter 11, it’s important to “weigh up which alternative is best in the light of the consequences” (Pg. 162). For example, you may be making more money in a position with more responsibility, but have less time for your family, and thus gain feelings of guilt and unhappiness.
While it’s true that “those who know how work for those who know why,” this doesn’t mean that either alternative is better or worse. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. You really just have to ask yourself, what is the best decision for me? Do I want to be a know how or a know why person? Regardless, knowledge is power, and the more aware you are, the more opportunities will be given to you.
