By John G. Miller
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
New York 2004
http://www.qbq.com
There is scientific evidence to show that strategic leaders are more successful at effecting organizational change. Strategy work involves far more than finding the magic formula that can be blindly followed to create the winning strategy. That formula does not exist. We must abandon the quest so common in today’s culture of searching for the quick fix and direct our attention inward. True positive change begins with individuals changing themselves. I was happy to see the same advise applied to the concept of accountability.
QBQ! The Question Behind The Question is a very small book only 150 pages long with large type but it carries a powerful message that is timeless and valuable. Miller tells us how we can add tremendous worth to our organizations and our lives by "eliminating blame, complaining, and procrastination" and putting personal accountability into action. The book is filled with examples.
Instead of asking, "Why aren’t they motivated?", ask "What can I do to be more inspirational?"
Instead of asking, "Who will care as much as I do?", ask "What can I do to show I care?"
Instead of asking, "Why are they so unfriendly?", ask "How can I be a better friend?"
Miller encourages us to look inward instead of outward since only by being able to ask this "question behind the question" can we take ownership of the problem and start working toward a solution. Make no mistake – the message is not to let others off the hook or take on their responsibilities. The author aptly points out that such behavior is not a service to others, but a disservice to everyone, although I wished he had clarified this concept further. The message is to stop being the victim and start taking responsibility for dealing with the situation. Deciding not to make a choice is making a choice. We are always accountable for our own choices are and free to make better ones.
Psychologists know that if you challenge someone’s worldviews and change the way they think, they will often change the way they act and only action gets results. Psychologists also know that if you can change one’s behavior, you will eventually change how they think. In order to reliably and consistently change one’s behavior, you need a framework that people can follow. Miller provides a simple, but useful framework for encouraging personal accountability. His framework is the Question Behind The Question. When you find yourself in a negative situation and are thinking about blaming others, complaining or procrastinating stop and ask yourself a question:
1) Begin the question with "what" or ""how" and not "why", "when", or "who".
2) Make sure the question contains an "I" and not "you", "they", "them" or "we".
3) Focus on an action you can take when phrasing the question. The results are profound as you see your thinking and actions change over time.
This book is an easy read and reminds me of "Who Moved My Cheese" or the "One Minute Manager" series. Miller provides excellent stories about people who practice personal accountability that are inspirational. The presentation is pedagogically sound so you should easily be able to apply the practical principles contained in the book to every area of your life for maximum impact. I highly recommend this book.
