Knowing How Versus Knowing Why (Revised)

The theory “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 a variety of other 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? I’m not trying to downgrade being a server at any restaurant, but it’s a lot easier to learn how to do something than to really evaluate all of the pros and cons and learn why all components of a system have to be working cohesively to progressively further that system. Regardless of how competently an individual completes a task, if they never learn the importance of why they’re doing it, they’re limiting their opportunities to advance; which, in turn, keeps them stuck at the low end of the totem pole.

Using my example, a server that simply comes to work and makes no effort in learning why their job is important will be far less likely to be given opportunity for promotion and the ability to climb the corporate ladder; which consequently, will result in loss of greater financial stability. Ph.D. Randal S. Hansen, college instructor and founder of a lasting career development website, 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)

However, one might argue that simply expanding your knowledge and “knowing why” will not ensure you a more prominent position, or a higher salary; which is true. There are definitely other aspects closely linked to establishing higher ground (e.g. building professional relationships at work, being charismatic, et cetera). Steve Bodow, writer for global executive search firm Spencer Stuart, discusses one of many beneficial workplace characteristics in his USA Today article, Charmed, I'm Sure. He states that “in the past few years, charisma has become important to business executives," (Para. 1) continuing with “[charisma] is one form of persuasive acumen among many…” (Para. 5) Of course, there are many other aspects involved in advancing professionally, but the main point here is that “knowing why” is a crucial part in doing so.

On another note, one may find fulfillment in their current role and feel no need to seek promotion. It’s important to emphasize the role of the “know how” individual in the bigger scheme of things; without them, the entire system would ultimately 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; which raises clear and undesirable possibility. 

While it’s true that “those who know how work for those who know why,” it 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’s the best decision for me? Do I want to be a know how person or a know why person? Regardless of which option you feel is best for you, knowledge is power, and the more aware you are, the more opportunities will be given to you.