Who Moved My Cheese? showed readers how to adapt to change.
Fish! helped raise flagging morale.
Execution g... read full description
Fish! helped raise flagging morale.
Execution g... read full description
reviews
Jan 21, 2009
Jeph
rated it: 
QBQ (The Question Behind the Question) is a short but powerful book about personal accountability and asking better, more responsible questions. QBQ and personal accountability revolves around stopping "the blame game" and changing people's minds (namely yourself) from asking questions like "Who dropped the ball?" or "Why didn't so-and-so do this?" to asking more responsible questions like "How can I help?" or "What can I do to make the company more p
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Aug 25, 2010
Jeanette
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another jewelry lady suggested this book to a few of us for our business, so i picked it up and finally decided to read it. it took me less than an hour- a fast, easy read.
i have to admit that i was turned off by the second page. "on a cross coountry flight the flight attendant got on the intercom and said, 'Sorry everyone but the movie we promised you will not be shown today. Catering put the wrong one on board.'" He then goes on to use this as an example of people not ta More...
i have to admit that i was turned off by the second page. "on a cross coountry flight the flight attendant got on the intercom and said, 'Sorry everyone but the movie we promised you will not be shown today. Catering put the wrong one on board.'" He then goes on to use this as an example of people not ta More...
Feb 27, 2011
Jason
rated it: 
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, Amaz More...
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, Amaz More...
Jan 30, 2010
Katie
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My company used to have a book club in which the entire staff participated. Prior to my becoming a full time employee with the company and being included in this activity, they read "QBQ!" The book continues to be referenced by executive management and our Account Service Department is reading the book together. Well, I couldn't be left out, so I had to buy it and read it for myself.
I learned a few of the principles in this book though my own failings earlier in life (okay, More...
I learned a few of the principles in this book though my own failings earlier in life (okay, More...
Jul 18, 2011
Daniel
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There’s big wisdom in this little book. John Miller tackles a big subject, personal accountability, with a surprisingly simple premise: The questions we ask ourselves, “why is this happening again?” “Who is responsible,” and “When will this improve?” determines our emotional response to the difficult situations that life presents. Ask the wrong questions and we move backwards into blaming others, protecting ourselves, and rationalizing failure. Ask ourselves QBQ questions and we’re much mo
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Feb 02, 2012
Jason
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This book has one principle... accountability... ask the Question Behind the Question, not Why?, but What? For instance "Why Me?" is not useful, but "What do I do with this?" is useful.
It is a lot of words to drive home one small lesson and could have been a lot shorter, but is worth the read if you are unsatisfied with life and complain a lot.
Sadly the people that need this book will probably still not get or apply what the author is saying.
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It is a lot of words to drive home one small lesson and could have been a lot shorter, but is worth the read if you are unsatisfied with life and complain a lot.
Sadly the people that need this book will probably still not get or apply what the author is saying.
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Dec 15, 2011
Christopher
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I was skeptical at first, but this book actually turned out to be a good read. A short, but good read. Personal accountability, asking what I can do to take action and improve the situation, stop thinking like a victim. These are the themes of this book. These are themes that I can use and benefit from, and they seem like themes that society at large could certainly benefit from during these tough times. Everybody is blaming everybody, like the Occupy Wall Street idiots asking "why don
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Dec 08, 2011
Windy
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This was an assigned reading for a school I was attending. I think the director was friends or knew someone who knew the author. Anyway I gave this book two stars, not because it was a bad book, but because is was almost to simple. There was no new information. Most of the base ideas where things I had read before. Not sure there was enough "meat" to the content.
On another note, it was a very quick read. Like a bathroom book. If that is something your looking for th More...
On another note, it was a very quick read. Like a bathroom book. If that is something your looking for th More...
Apr 06, 2009
Reepacheep
rated it:
A very quick read, I heard about this on Dave Ramsey's radio show. This book is on his list of "must reads" for new employees at his company. While reading it, I realized I had read this before, years ago. How fitting, since the final "chapter" (each chapter is one or two pages long) says "repetition is the motor of learning, so read the book again."
Stop being a victim of your circumstances, stop living passively, and proactively become a part of your li More...
Stop being a victim of your circumstances, stop living passively, and proactively become a part of your li More...
Oct 17, 2010
Scott
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This book painted with such a broad brush that it failed to capture any of the nuance of interpersonal relationships and corporate responsibility. I understand the concept of personal accountability and not shifting blame. However, his major premise that we do not ask why or who but only what I can do misses the mark completely. There are times where it is imperative to look at the actions of others and how the team impacts and effects productivity. The author's desire to prop up his busines
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Mar 01, 2010
Gail
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Basic approach in how not to continually blame others, but look to yourself (I) and see how or what you might do to improve the situation. Lots of chances to practice this here all the time.
A Christian desires to live as a true servant. Personal accountability is definitely something that is important to me as I strive to use my talents and abilities to benefit the greater goal- students, colleagues, the world at large.
If people were indeed tabula rosa and not sinful fro More...
A Christian desires to live as a true servant. Personal accountability is definitely something that is important to me as I strive to use my talents and abilities to benefit the greater goal- students, colleagues, the world at large.
If people were indeed tabula rosa and not sinful fro More...
Jul 27, 2011
Yes, this is a short book with large print. But that doesn't invalidate the contents. I have learned that the questions we ask are more important than the answers. James says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt." (James 1:5-6) Asking an IQ is to ask a doubting question, not looking for a real answer. Asking a QBQ is like asking with faith, be
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Mar 02, 2011
Phillip
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This book was originally given to the management at my company as "required reading". I picked it up thinking it would be just another motivational book to address the current mindset or fad set by upper management. I believe that was the intention of upper management but this book became something much more to me. It truly hit home about personal accountability and looking at ways to pick up your own slack instead of blaming others. It read very quickly and if you allowed it to, it re
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Apr 13, 2009
Sonja
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This book was loaned to me by a co-worker (whose boyfriend apparently lives by the "QBQ"). Very short, very quick read. A little too simplistic. Not anything I haven't heard before. Basically espouses personal accountability. Don't blame other people. Instead of asking negative questions, ask questions that start with either "What" or "How," include "I," and include some kind of action. Not bad advice, although it talks about not blaming others or complain
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Aug 05, 2009
Richard
rated it:
This book really helped me see that I have the ability to do something about the problems in my life, beginning with the way I think about them and the questions I ask myself when faced with challenges.
My only issue with the book is the use of the term "personal accountability", which I think can be viewed as a blame-placing word. Instead, I choose to replace that term with "personal response-ability", borrowing from Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effec More...
My only issue with the book is the use of the term "personal accountability", which I think can be viewed as a blame-placing word. Instead, I choose to replace that term with "personal response-ability", borrowing from Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effec More...
Dec 01, 2011
Jason
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I like to collect books I've read as a sort of "badge of honor". But, they usually end up collecting dust after the first read. However, QBQ is different. I was amazed the first time I read it because, yes, it contains some "common sense" concepts, but they're presented in such an articulate and entertaining way that they really send the points home. So many stories simply make me smile.
I felt a profound change in my demeanor and attitude after reading this book More...
I felt a profound change in my demeanor and attitude after reading this book More...
Jun 05, 2008
Theresa
rated it:
This books talks about recognizing personal accountability in all areas of your life...personally and professionally.
Favorite Quotes:
pg. 23
"How can I do my job better today?"
"What can I do to improve the situation?"
"How can I support others?"
Pg. 39
Most of us have heard the saying, "Creativity is thinking outside the box." There's a lot of truth in that, but to me true creativity is th More...
Favorite Quotes:
pg. 23
"How can I do my job better today?"
"What can I do to improve the situation?"
"How can I support others?"
Pg. 39
Most of us have heard the saying, "Creativity is thinking outside the box." There's a lot of truth in that, but to me true creativity is th More...
Jan 05, 2011
Scott
rated it:
The message of this book was very good. I give it 5-stars for what the author was saying. The main point of the book revolves around only what you can change. Instead of asking questions that focus on why others are not living up to your expectations, you should begin asking the question about what you should be doing.
The problem with the book - though it was a very easy read - was that it took the concept that could have been written in a pamphlet and made a longer version of it.
The problem with the book - though it was a very easy read - was that it took the concept that could have been written in a pamphlet and made a longer version of it.
Nov 23, 2008
Alissa
rated it:
I read this because Dave Ramsey mentioned it on his radio show. It’s a slim volume packed with realistic wisdom on taking responsibility and making things happen.
The QBQ has three parts - your question begins with “What” or “How”, contains “I” and focuses on action. It is the opposite of blaming, shaming and energy sucking “Why” questions.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to those looking for a quick thought provoking business read.
The QBQ has three parts - your question begins with “What” or “How”, contains “I” and focuses on action. It is the opposite of blaming, shaming and energy sucking “Why” questions.
I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to those looking for a quick thought provoking business read.
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Dec 09, 2011
Jessica
rated it:
Awesome book on personal accountability in work and life. Decided to read it since it is a recommended read for all of Dave Ramsey's employees. It's very short and only took one hour to read, and I absolutely loved it!! His stories are short, concise, and to the point. There is a lot of wisdom and humor. He really makes you think about the questions you think and the questions you ask. This is definitly one that I will buy for my personal library.
Apr 02, 2010
Cynthia
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Okay. Many of you know that I do not read many self-help or management books any more, because I have been so disappointed over the past few years. I am VERY glad that I made an exception in this case. I am not going to be posting any quotes, like I usually do. You all need to read this one for yourselves. It is a quick read, well, the first time through, but I am on my fifth time through and still adding notes...READ THIS!!
Nov 12, 2008
Jen
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I read this book for the first time a little over a year ago. At the time, I tried to soak in the message, but since I thought it didn't really apply to me, I think it went in one ear and out the other, so to speak.
Fast forward to today. This book is required reading for my work, and I read it a little more closely this time around. As it turns out, this little book is jam-packed with morsels of good advice. It's all about using a JFK-esque philosophy: ask not what your company c More...
Fast forward to today. This book is required reading for my work, and I read it a little more closely this time around. As it turns out, this little book is jam-packed with morsels of good advice. It's all about using a JFK-esque philosophy: ask not what your company c More...
Dec 04, 2008
Chase
rated it:
Solid book about accountability. My favorit section was "Beat the Ref." I think so many times we look for excuses as to why we didn't succeed when basically it comes down to you and your desire. Solid, quick read for anyone. It's like what my dad says "Players miss shots, coaches make bad decisions, refs make bad calls; that's why they call it basketball."
Jul 29, 2010
Sherryl
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This book has gotten so many wonderful review that I thought I should read it. While it was a good book, the ideas presented are very much common sense, but common sense that most people do not practice. I did learn from the ideas and will implement them in my life. This book is a good book to have in a professional library so that it can be reread over and over.
Feb 09, 2010
Katharine
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Great motivational book for the workplace, school or any community group you may be involved in. It's short chapters are written as if you're at a motivational talk- but that's okay!
Loved the stories and examples of people practicing personal accountability. Many of these books have such a corporate edge to them. This can be read and applied by people in nearly any industry.
Loved the stories and examples of people practicing personal accountability. Many of these books have such a corporate edge to them. This can be read and applied by people in nearly any industry.
Sep 30, 2011
Donatta
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A book about why we blame everyone except ourselves.. and how to eliminate that and become accountable . Change the attitude of your atmoshere by positivity.. took about an hour to 1-1/2 to read .. very quick read with good info/feedback..Following it is probally harder to attain for some. appears to have some biblical or christian influence.
Feb 19, 2010
Carolyn
rated it:
A good short book about personal accountability. Reading it is kinda like attending a short team-building session at work but it's still a really good concept. I am among those appalled at the examples of lack of personal accountability so prevalent in America today. However, I know somestimes I am just as guilty.
Dec 24, 2009
rob
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Apr 30, 2011
Gina
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This book is handed out all new hires on our sales team. It is a great common-sense approach to getting things accomplished in work and life by trying to get past the negative things and working on what you can do to make it better. It had great real-life examples.
Jan 13, 2011
Lauren
rated it:
A quick and easy read. It has a lot of great takeaways. Granted, there's nothing in this book that you've never heard before but it does remind you the importance of accountability in your life and how NOT taking responsibility can affect you. I definitely realized how it was negatively affecting me and how I could re-frame it in the future. It's worth an hour or two of your time for a refresher!
