QBQ! The Question Behind the Question

To Get the Right Answers, Ask the Right Question

When something goes wrong, people typically ask certain kinds of questions:

• “When is someone going to train me?”
• “Who dropped the ball?”
• “Why don’t they communicate better?”

Such queries typify a problem of epidemic proportion in modern society, specifically, a lack of personal accountability. People will assume responsibility, understand their choices and contribute positively to their organizations only when they begin to ask constructive questions, using a tactic called the “Question Behind the Question - the QBQ.”

“Incorrect Questions - IQ”

When people feel overwhelmed, unappreciated or frustrated, they often ask themselves such questions as, “Why do I have to do everything?” or “When is management going to upgrade our systems?”

This approach is destructive, negative and useless in solving problems. These are “Incorrect Questions” or “IQs.” In order to address and fix problems, ask more accountable questions, such as, “What can I do to make the situation better?” or “How can I make this work with the resources on hand?” When people take accountability and act responsibly...