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

by John G. Miller

Who is the only person I can change? Right—myself.

Believe or leave. Sound harsh? Maybe. But if the organization is no longer a vehicle to help us reach our life goals, why would we stay?

Leadership, more than anything else, is about the way we think. It’s a moment-to-moment disciplining of our thoughts. It’s about practicing personal accountability and choosing to make a positive contribution, no matter what our role or “level.” A receptionist, an engineer, a sales-person, a temp worker, a cashier: They all can be leaders. Judy certainly was. Parents? Absolutely. Parenting may be the most important leadership role there is. Are you a friend, Little League coach, volunteer, someone who has influence with others at work? The same principle holds true: If we think like leaders, we are leaders. So I’ll ask you again. Are you a leader? Think about it.

Learning is not attending, listening, or reading. Nor is it merely gaining knowledge. Learning is really about translating knowing what to do into doing what we know. It’s about changing. If we have not changed we have not learned. What have you learned today?