How the word because changes everything
You should try to use the word because whenever you can. It can help you get things you need, settle arguments and improve relationships. This simple word can also be a very effective referee.
Let’s look at some examples of where using the word because should make a difference.
When you need something.
Imagine you’re in a queue and someone taps you on the shoulder and asks you a question. If they just said, “can I skip ahead and take your place?” how would you react? If they added, “can I skip ahead and take your place, because I only have one item and my parking is about to run out?” how would you respond?
They’ve given you a reason. They’ve clearly explained themselves.
When you have to challenge something
Now imagine that you’re responsible for reserving parking spaces at an office you work in. You see someone has parked their car in a spot without authorisation and you know who it is. When you challenge them you say, “you can’t park there, I’m responsible for all the reservations and you didn’t ask me”. How do you think they’re likely to react to that?
If you say ”you can’t park there, because candidates are coming in for interviews and I know there is someone with a disability” that’s different. How do you think they’re likely to respond to that?
When you need a referee
Imagine that person then complains to your manager. They claim that you prevented them from working and didn’t need to assert this rule. That word because can come in handy again.
A simple “I asked them to remove their car because we were expecting a disabled visitor” should make things clear. Adding “they were coming in for an interview and we had no other spaces” would surely be everything you need to say. It would be very hard and very unreasonable to argue against this.
It can be an effective referee. The word because can help us get straight to the facts and sail past so much emotion and opinion. Hopefully, you noticed that those examples didn’t include any criticism of the other person. Didn’t create unnecessary conflict.
When YOU need a referee
The word because can also be your referee. If there’s been a disagreement, it helps to think carefully about your position. You have to ask yourself, ‘I did this because’…
In the case of the parking spot, If there were plenty of free spaces and you’re taking a stand because you felt slighted and wanted to prove a point, you need to reconsider your position. If you’ve entrenched and argued because you feel that person has to be taught a lesson, you really need to reconsider your position.
You need to use that word because as your referee.
Now think about where you can use the word because and what it can do for you. It can keep you on track, keep out unnecessary emotion and help you respond, rather than react to things. I hope it helps.