Lesson 11 of 14 4 min video · 4 exercises

Nailing the why

What a real reason is, three tests to spot a fake one, and how to count your whys.

Key takeaways

A why is a real reason, attached to a main point, specific to this scenario
Paste test: would it fit any scenario? Then it's a slogan
Strip test: delete the virtue words. Is a reason left?
Circle test: does it just restate the goal?
Rule of thumb: 2+ real whys ≈ 4th, 1 ≈ 3rd, 0 ≈ 2nd

Lock in the lesson before you move on.

Exercise 1 of 4

Sort it

…privately, so he can explain without feeling ambushed in front of the group.

…because if we both stayed quiet and it came out later, the manager couldn't trust either of us.

We'd work together to find a solution.

…because a lockout means missing the whole lesson, so late students fall further behind.

Empathy is so important in healthcare.

I'd talk to them to resolve the issue.

…because communication is key.

…since they know their own constraints better than administrators do.