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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.

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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 …

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

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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:

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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” …

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Outstanding Service: 7 Reasons This Customer Is Happy

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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.

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7 Ways To “Let” the Holidays Be Better

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I don’t know about you, but when a blog advertises a list, I don’t want a preamble, I want to dive right in. So here we go! 

7 Ways To “Let” the Holidays Be Better

1. Let go

Got old hurts? Did Uncle Joe, brother Seth, or cousin Jamie say something that offended you in … 2005? If so …

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The #1 Reason People Quit Is …

Special 2 for 1 offer on Outstanding! See below!

When we included Chapter 27 titled “Develop Managers” in Outstanding! I’d hoped it wouldn’t be needed. I mean, organizations always train people managers properly, right?

Well …

QBQ, Inc., has been following the story of Sabrina, a 39-year-old Physician’s Assistant, who began employment 90 days ago in a department deep within a large healthcare system.

It has not gone well. There have been problems—all resulting from poor people management. Here are a few …

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6 Powerful and Inspirational Quotes I Love

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friedrich-note-final

I’ve been asked, “What are you currently reading and what do you recommend?”  

My answer?

Nothing and zip. (Well, I could recommend these books, but that might be a tad self-serving!)

But seriously, I’m not a big reader.

What has meant a great deal to me, though, are specific quotes. I’ll share them here and then ask you to give us a favorite quote. Here we go!

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