We often avoid the question of whether something is worth doing by going straight to the question of "How do we do it?" In fact, when we believe that something is definitely not worth doing, we're particularly eager to start asking How? We can examine what's worth doing on many levels - as individuals, organizations, families and communities. If we are truly committed to the pursuit of what matters, we might be well served to hold a moratorium on the question of How? It would force us to engage in conversations about "why we do what we do", as individuals and organizations.

Asking Why? will allow you and your organization to drill down to the core of what's worth doing. In addition, don't ask Why only once, ask 3 or 4 times. This will not be easy or comfortable work, but it's critical for staying necessary and relevant. In the race to do "more with less", asking Why just might allow you to do less because you are focused on what is deeply meaningful and valuable.

Excerpted from: The Answer to How is Yes, Peter Block.