SHARE THE REASON

  • Explaining the rationale behind a request or recommendation

  • Equipping others with the purpose of an assignment and the significance of information

  • Giving the details, sharing the context and removing the mystery behind our words and actions

HARRINGTON COMMENTARY:

The fourth installment of the Mission Impossible series was released a few years ago. It was an exciting movie filled with lots of clandestine actions, cryptic messages, and unknown villains -- good stuff, if you like those sorts of movies.

It can be a lot of fun watching a spy thriller or reading a mystery novel. There are unexpected twists and turns, unexplained events, strange patterns, mystery and secrecy. It is sort of like riding a roller coaster for your brain. Fearing what lies ahead is a big part of the excitement.

But in “real life”, these types of suspense are not so much fun. I have discovered that people do not want to be kept in the dark when it comes to certain things. For example, clients want to know when their service will be delivered and how much it will cost. Helping keep mystery and secrecy to a minimum is important.

At Funds For Learning, this principle is referred to as “Share the Reason”. It means we will not keep others guessing when we don’t have to. We explain the rationale behind our work and recommendations; we equip others with pertinent information and give them the details that they need in order to fulfill their own responsibilities; and we reduce ambiguity in order to provide a calming presence and conduct our work in a professional manner.

Surprises and covert activities are fun in the movies, but that’s where they should stay. Share the reason, pull back the veil, and help others understand the reasoning behind your work.

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Key Words and Phrases

Offer a rationale; Give details; Describe; Make clear; Explain; Clarify; Put in plain words; Enlighten.

Opposite Terms

Mystery; In the dark; Secrecy; Ambiguity.

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GuideMarks – Distinguishing Characteristics of FFL E-rate Guides

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