TBM 217: Why Are You Doing This? (Wrong Answers Only)

Overview
This article explores the common misinterpretations of the simple question "Why are you doing this?" and highlights why many technical leaders give the wrong answers. It uses humor and real-world examples to illustrate how misunderstanding purpose can lead to misaligned work.

Key Takeaways

• Clarify the true purpose behind initiatives before starting work.
• Avoid vague or self-serving answers that hide underlying business goals.
• Use the question as a diagnostic tool to surface assumptions and constraints.
• Align teams around measurable outcomes rather than just activities.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers seeking to improve alignment.
• Product leaders wanting clearer purpose statements.
• Technical founders and CTOs evaluating project justification.
• Team leads who facilitate decision-making meetings.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Purpose-Driven Planning
• Outcome-Based Roadmapping