Accountability: Knowing the Limits of My Knowledge

Here’s what I know: I don’t know a lot of stuff about a lot of stuff. I’m always amused by other speakers’ websites that list 19 topics of expertise. I think, Wow, they are way smarter than I!

As a citizen of the USA, I feel the same way. Candidly, most things that happen in the world are simply beyond my knowledge, so I’m careful to NOT offer an opinion for fear this truth will be revealed:

I suffer from ignorance.

When it comes to organizing/managing a White House staff, taking military action, relating to world leaders of powerful nations, or improving health care and immigration—I know … nothing.

Why? …

Continue Reading

Parenting: Time For This Pendulum To Swing Back

Not all of our subscribers are parents, but you all know some parents—so please forward this QBQ! QuickNote to them! Thank you!

If you want to grow as a parent, grab a copy of Raising Accountable Kids today!

The Parenting Problem

Exasperated, a young mom at the hair salon exclaimed, “My 4-year-old is driving me nuts! When he goes to Target with me, he screams and whines every single time till I buy him something!”

My wife, Karen, the slow-to-give-unsolicited-advice experienced mom and grandma, was nearby. She politely said … nothing.

Then the Millennial Mom’s frustration poured out: “I just don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to stop it!”

Continue Reading

The #1 Mistake Managers Just Keep On Making!

Have The QBQ! Workbook yet? Practical, powerful, and personal!

There might be a million mistakes managers make, but the one we’re covering today is #1. First, let’s look at an example of sound judgment and skilled people management.

Good Managers Grow

I’ve watched Judy grow from a 23-year-old business newbie to a vice-president. She’s gone from vendor to friend to family over 20 years. I call her “Daughter #8,” with only six Miller girls and a daughter-in-law coming before her.

She didn’t begin her career to become an “executive”—but that’s what she is today. Her demeanor is sweet, kind, sensitive, helpful. I can make her giggle easily with my brilliant wit and charm.

This leader is no “meanie poo,” that’s for sure. But she did fire someone recently. If you think that makes her a meanie poo, you should not be in management.

Continue Reading

Assail! Lie! Smear! Attack! Spin! What Would Jimmy Do With Social Media?

social-media-politics-POTUS-accountabilityThe Problem

Social media has been a strange place since the POTUS election. Have you noticed anyone online —

  • Attack a Facebook “friend” or family member over politics?
  • Post a meme, image, or video just to discredit others’ views?
  • Robotically spew biased political party “talking points” rather than engage in calm, reasoned, fact-based dialogue?
  • Pontificate and sermonize instead of asking questions to seek greater understanding?
  • Express ginormous outrage and concern on the behalf of strangers living halfway around the world when there are people in need in our own backyard?

There is no political message in that last question, so please don’t take umbrage. I’m simply baffled by the substantial time and emotional energy expended on social media that could be used differently.

Yes, like you, QBQ, Inc. and the Miller clan believe in compassion. However, is it possible there are people a mile from me who would be greatly blessed if they received just a slice of the concern for humankind expressed on Facebook and Twitter?

Let’s turn to coach, pastor, and politician Jimmy Miller—a man who never touched a computer or smartphone in his life—for a possible answer …

Continue Reading

Repeat After Me: “I can only change ______ !”

Leave a comment below to possibly win a brand new The QBQ! Workbook

If Just ONE …

During this Dave Ramsey Show interview, Dave asked me, “If people only get one idea from QBQ! what do you want it to be?”

I responded, “Well, Dave, it’s this: I can only change … me.”

Some of you right now are thinking, That’s not new, John, not new at all!

Right. But remember what we teach in the QBQ! book:

Repetition is the motor of learning!

So, let’s repeat the truth that I can only change me—a cornerstone of PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY—using a story shared by QBQ! reader, Annetta:

Continue Reading

The #1 Problem With Entitlement Thinking

entitlement-accountability-entitled

If I say I’m against “entitlement thinking,” many would cheer. However, if I say I’m against “entitlements,” some would call me mean-spirited.

Most talk around “entitlements” is political, highly charged, and nasty. The minute lawmakers try to reduce any specific “entitlement program,” they are accused of being nothing short of evil.

But, this board member of the Denver Rescue Mission is not evil at all. I just think we need to be aware of “unintended consequences” …

Continue Reading

Outstanding Service: 7 Reasons This Customer Is Happy

Want to win an autographed copy of the Outstanding! book? See below!

An email came to us that you should only read if you love outstanding customer service stories. Enjoy!

John,

I love the QBQ! book and its message. Whenever I experience a moment of pure personal accountability as a paying customer, I think, These people really understand their own role in this whole thing!

Well, it happened again.

Maui Jim is a maker of great products, namely sunglasses. I’m a big fan. My favorite pair had a little hiccup when a tiny nut broke off of a tiny screw, so I contacted them.

Continue Reading