Justifying vs. Contextualizing

Justifying is a defense mechanism we employ when we don’t trust the people around us, haven’t articulated a clear sense of purpose, or perhaps don't trust or believe in ourselves.

Over time, distance is created, and we feel the need to justify more and more because we have no common language or shared goal—our team doesn’t understand the culture we’re trying to create or how they can contribute to it.

Contextualizing is an educational gesture that ties a golden thread from our decisions to our culture and the people who reinforce that culture.

Over time, connection is built, and we need to contextualize less often because we have a common language and shared goal—our team trusts our intent and can connect the dots between our decisions and the cultural benefits on their own.

Which world do you want to live in?