QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life

John G. Miller

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Accountability at Work and in Life is a book by John G. Miller that emphasizes personal accountability and how it can be applied in both professional and personal settings to achieve better results.

1. Main Idea: The core concept of the book is the "Question Behind the Question" (QBQ) methodology. Instead of asking ineffective or blaming questions such as "Why is this happening to me?" or "Who dropped the ball?", Miller suggests we should be asking questions that promote personal accountability like "What can I do?" or "How can I make a difference?"

2. Blame and Victim Thinking: Miller discusses how easy it is for individuals to fall into the trap of blame, complaining, and victim thinking. These negative behaviors prevent growth and problem-solving.

3. The Right Kind of Questions: The QBQ methodology focuses on asking questions that:

   • Begin with "What" or "How" (not "Why," "When," or "Who")

   • Contain an "I" (emphasizing personal responsibility)

   • Focus on action

4. Benefits of QBQ: By practicing personal accountability through QBQ:

   • Problems are solved more effectively

   • Teamwork is enhanced

   • Communication improves

   • Relationships are strengthened

5. Personal Growth: Miller also emphasizes the value of personal growth and learning, encouraging readers to always be curious and open to new ideas.

6. Real-Life Examples: Throughout the book, Miller shares various real-life examples and anecdotes that demonstrate the application and benefits of the QBQ method in everyday situations.

In essence, QBQ! The Question Behind the Question serves as a guide to eliminating blame, victim thinking, and procrastination by focusing on personal accountability, leading to more effective problem-solving, better teamwork, and stronger interpersonal relationships.