How to Ask ‘Why’ at Work Without Sounding Rude (The Untold Rule)

Imagine this: you're three weeks into a new job. You receive a task from your manager, but it doesn't quite make sense to you.  So you ask, "Why are we doing it this way?" Suddenly, the energy shifts. 

For Gen Z, asking "why" is how they learn and how they get context. But for many managers? "Why" can sound like "I don't trust your judgment" or "I'm about to tell you why you're wrong."

In this episode, Yaa-Hemaa breaks  down the untold rule nobody explains: there's a hierarchy to questioning decisions at work, and there's a wrong way and a right way to ask "why". Watch for advice for  both employees AND managers to navigate these conversations with mutual respect and honesty.

What you'll learn: 

• Why "why" triggers defensive reactions (and what's really happening);
• A simple framework for asking questions without starting conflict;
• How managers can respond to give context quickly; 
• How to tell the difference between curiosity and entitled pushback; 
• When you SHOULD push back (even if you're new); 
• What not to do if you want to build credibility.

Download the free Workplace Translation Starter Guide: 

https://stan.store/theyvariable/p/workplace-translation-starter-guide

About Handled by The Y Variable

Where workplace friction gets translated and transformed.

Each week, Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah (founder of The Y Variable) offers insightful, human-centred leadership conversations that help to bridge the generational gap at work. You’ll come away with guidance that helps managers and Gen Z work better together, with practical frameworks that can be used immediately. 

Work with me
• Speaking & training • Manager toolkits • Team facilitation
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