2018: Book #17
I’m not a fan of blame.
If you know me then you know that I’m a fan of truth and fixing problems. So when a friend recommended “QBQ: The Question behind the Question – What to Really Ask Yourself to Eliminate Blame, Victim Thinking, Complaining and Procrastination” by John G. Miller, I was eager to read it.
There is some strong content in the book—very strong. The book is written as a calling card book. It’s written as a doorway for the author to speak and consult. I’m not against that in anyway. I’m very much for people doing these types of books. But when and if you do one…aim just a bit higher.
How did this book help me as a leader?
1. Victim Thinking. I don’t tend to see myself as a victim. I see myself as the consequences of my decisions, but not as a victim. Miller does a good job in helping leaders ask questions that can help others break free of victim thinking. Instead of questioning who’s to blame, try asking, “How do we move forward?” -or- “What is the solution to this problem?” This leadership principle is a helpful reminder.
2. There are no quick fixes for long-term problems.That’s a great line and it’s usually true.
If the organization has a broken culture, leadership issues, and so on – these and other problems can’t and won’t be fixed overnight. Begin making changes and implement a plan. Then, be patient as you wait for the results to emerge. The bigger the problem the longer it will take to fix. This is why handling problems while they’re small is such a big deal.
3. Complaining doesn’t fix a thing. Yep…all complaining does is add poison to the well. Complaining corrupts others. If that’s you…change…change yourself. Either fix it or shut up about it. Complaining only gives a voice to things we’re not willing to change.
This is a good book with some good reminders.
3.5 out of 5 stars.
That’s book #17 for 2018.
35 more to go.
Remember, all leaders are readers.
If you want to be a better leader…be a reader.
#52in2018
