Episode: 454

Episode Title: Giving a Real Answer

It takes more time to give a real answer instead of just responding with, “because I said so.” But it’s worth it. Here’s why, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 454 show:

You’re now in The Perna Syndicate—hello and welcome! Yesterday we talked about why the classic answer “because I said so” doesn’t work anymore. Today’s young people need and deserve something more. They want to know why for everything because they want to understand the big picture—and, if possible, improve it. 

Giving them a short, terse answer of “because I said so” shuts them down and can even turn the conversation into a power struggle. None of this creates the right environment for them to grow—or for the organization to thrive. 

Maybe you’ve been guilty of saying “because I said so” to a young person. I know as a dad, I have certainly resorted to this answer! Sometimes “because I said so” can seem like the only way to get on with the task at hand. But there is long-term value in a real answer that explains your thought process. 

If young people are constantly asking you why, try to see the question for what it is: an honest quest for information that can help them produce a better result. Even if the topic is not up for debate or change, giving a real answer demonstrates that you respect the person asking and see them as a valuable part of the mission.

If you want to improve the process and outcome, you and the younger-gen person are working for the same thing. Take the time to truly answer their question and welcome everything they bring to the table. 

Tomorrow: What if you’re the young person who’s always asking why? Should you keep on asking? Let’s talk about it on the next episode of The Perna Syndicate. See you then!