Learners Don’t Ask This Question

personal accountability, ownership, QBQ

When I found this measuring tape from my early 1980s Montana assignment with Cargill that Karen and I experienced, I had two thoughts:

1. Wow, that is so old!

2. An inch is still an inch, and a foot is still 12 inches.

My four-decades-old measuring tool is as true now as a new one bought and used today. Some things never change with the passage of time. Which makes them …

… timeless.
 
Timeless Truths 

Personal Accountability — as taught in the QBQ! book — may seem antiquated, even quaint to some people. Like my tape, though, it is never out-of-date, never passé. It did, does, and will always work. Principles such as Personal Accountability (responsibility, ownership) are forever valuable and worth practicing in my life.

Just as kindness, courtesy, respect, service, contribution, and forgiveness are, too. They can and do live on no matter what’s happening in our world. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it seems many folks have returned to these “old school” values more than ever. That’s a good thing.

As we teach in the QBQ! book, the old stuff is the good stuff!

The Question Learners Don’t Ask

Learning is also a value/principle that should never die. I mean, anytime before I leave this Earth, can’t I still learn? Absolutely. But …

Also in QBQ! is a critical Incorrect Question (IQ), one that learners should never ask: “When will we hear something new?” It’s always better to ask the QBQ, “How can I apply what I’m hearing?”

Quick refresher on IQ/QBQ methodology: QBQ! Tutorial

Trust me, in the training field since 1986, I’ve heard that question. Whether we’re attending an outside seminar, listening to an internal trainer, or simply reading a book recommended by management, at best it’s a cynical question, at worst it defeats learning. You see, the only thing that matters is — AM I USING WHAT I AM HEARING?

Nothing else matters.

Do You Do?

Knowing and doing are miles apart. As we say at QBQ, Inc. — we must translate knowing what to do into doing what we know.

Do you dismiss an idea, concept, or principle because you’re heard it before? Learners do not, so I bet you don’t. Learners take full accountability for applying, executing, and utilizing what they hear. Learners do.

Are you a learner? Comments always welcome! ??

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6 Responses

  1. Thanks for this message, reminded me of the movie Hoosiers when Gene Hackman asked one of the players to measure the distance from the rim to the floor In the field house for the state finals. It was 10 feet, just like the rims in their home court back in their small high school gym!

    You are so right, some things don’t change and are finite, but how we utilize what we do have that we can change is so important!

    Thanks as always for sharing!!

    Chris Kennedy

  2. Another thing that doesn’t change are birthdays. They come once a year and tomorrow John celebrates one. Happy Birthday my friend, may your day be filled with sunshine!

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