QBQ! - The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller

Miller begins by identifying all those frustrating questions that people ask that lead them nowhere useful, like "why do we have to learn this stuff" or "who dropped the ball" or "who is going to solve this problem". Then he explains how the questions need to be reframed to find solutions and make progress.

The positive and solution oriented questions that are the Question Behind the Question, focus you on taking responsibility for your own situation and for solving the problem. They include questions such as, "How can I adapt to a changing world", "What can I do to develop myself", "How can I help", etc. They focus you back to finding ways so that you become part of the solution instead of simply a complainer.

The gist of this book is about accepting and acting on personal responsibility but it includes gems on better communication, procrastination and how it can be helpful in the right situation, and the need to focus on action.

This is the first of three books by Miller on becoming more effective. This book stresses how an individual can become more effective in all areas of one's life. His second book, Flipping the Switch, takes that one step further and his latest book, Outstanding!, applies these principles to an organization.

At 115 pages this book is full of useful ideas on how to become more effective through asking the right questions and can be easily read in a day or two.

Readability/Writing Quality:

This is a very readable book. Chapters are short, usually not more than 8 to 10 pages in length and cover a single primary subject. Miller uses stories and illustrations to demonstrate how the QBQ can and should be used and how it has helped others.

Notes on Author:

John G. Miller is the author of QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, Flipping the Switch - Unleashing the Power of Personal Accountability and Outstanding! 47 Ways to Make Your Organization Exceptional. He is founder of QBQ, Inc., an organizational development firm based in Colorado, dedicated to "Helping Organizations Make Personal Accountability a Core Value." A 1980 graduate of Cornell University, John has been involved in the training and speaking industry since 1986.

Three Great Ideas You Can Use:

1. You can make better choices in the moment by asking better questions - questions coming from a clear sense of personal responsibility.

2. Begin useful questions with What or How, not with Why, When, or Who.

3. If the questions are aimed at finding solutions the answers are in the questions.

Publication Information:

QBQ! - The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller