QBQ! The Question Behind the Question

A really good read about the vital importance of personal accountability in our work and personal lives. On how to stop blaming the systems, the company, others and instead work on how we can do our part. I removed one star because the way it is written felt a bit too much like an American sales man. Ha

I just finished reading QBQ - The Question Behind the Question, What to Really Ask Yourself to Eliminate Blame, Complaining, and Procrastination by John Miller a few minutes ago.

What a great book!

I purchased it on Amazon 2/22/11 and finished it today 2/27/11 which is probably an all-time record for me as books I buy usually take months, if not years, to percolate to the top of my to-read list. This one, however, I seemed to keep getting prompts about in my other reading, Amazon searches, and of course regular mentions from Dave Ramsey. I'm currently going through Financial Peace University with my wife and am doing some personal enrichment reading in that regard, including currently reading The Millionaire Next Door and listening to Thou Shall Prosper on audiobook. Hopefully that puts things into perspective.

Having read quite a few business-related books in the last few years, what sets QBQ apart?

1. An ultra-sharply clear concept.

2. Broad usage potential, both in professional and personal life.

3. Super-fast readability

This is a 115-page book that reads even faster than that. Most chapters are 1-4 pages long, and not particularly dense pages at that. Each chapter reads as a mini article covering a specific item all of which revolve around the QBQ concept.

What is that concept? It's simple: getting to questions in our lives that move us toward positive action. As opposed to all those questions most people use daily in their work and personal lives which attempt to avoid responsibility or place blame on others for the problem of the moment. It really is that simple. But because the concept is so clear, the majority of the book gives examples of how we can rephrase our words and thinking to become more effective at problem solving. More effective ourselves. Not by attempting to change others. Not by anything other than realizing that we simply can NOT change others, and asking questions about why others do or don't do what we want them to do are useless questions.

Too often in this country today people act the victim. “I couldn't do what I needed to do because that person didn't do their thing.” “It's not my fault I burnt my tongue on that coffee, the cup wasn't clearly enough labeled ‘HOT!'” You get the idea. So much of the genius in this country seems to be spent in figuring out how to avoid personal responsibility. At work. At home. At school. In parenting. For anything. Does anyone think this is a good thing? In any way?

To me, this book is a brief rebellion against that epidemic. It's something I'll make sure my kids read. It should be read by everyone in America, in my opinion. It's a short, easy, fun, enlightening read. Every 6th grader and every high school senior should be required to read it. Twice. Maybe again in college. QBQ is that good a concept.

If you've read it, let me know what you think.

-Jason