Flipping the Switch...: Unleash the Power of Personal Accountability Using the QBQ!

by John G. Miller

In his bestselling book QBQ! The Question Behind the Question, John G. Miller revealed how personal accountability helps to create opportunity, overcome obstacles, and achieve goals by eliminating blame, complaining, and procrastination. The result? Stronger organizations, more dynamic teams, and healthier relationships. Now Miller takes readers to the next level to show how they can use the power of the QBQ! and personal accountability every day. When a light switch is flipped the flow of energy that is released reaches the lightbulb in an instant, bringing it to life. Similarly, asking the right kind of question-a QBQ-is the first step to empowering what Miller calls the Advantage Principles-five essential practices that will lead to a richer experience in every aspect of - live an engaged and energized life through positive personal growth and change- attain goals by becoming a solution-oriented person who solves problems- find new ways to achieve by succeeding "within the box"- build a legacy by helping others succeed- develop deep and rewarding relationships With compelling real-life stories and keen insights, Miller demonstrates how anyone can find success and satisfaction by "flipping the switch."

Genres: Business, Leadership, Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Audiobook, Professional Development

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 29, 2005

About the author

John G. Miller is the founder of QBQ, Inc., an organizational development company dedicated to making personal accountability a core value for organizations and individuals. QBQ, Inc. has worked with hundreds of Fortune 500 and other companies and governmental and non-government organizations internationally. Miller, who appears frequently on national television and radio, is the author of the bestselling QBQ! The Question Behind the Question and Flipping the Switch: Five Keys to Success at Work and in Life. He lives in Denver.

Reviews

[Brent Doria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read (like an hour and a half) but it was filled with a lot of great examples of what it means to have personal accountability. It's very easy to point the finger at others for why things go wrong, whether it's at work or in your personal life. After having read "QBQ: The Question Behind the Question," I saw the importance of looking at what differences I can make in my own personal relationships and my relationships at work. This gives a brief review of what the QBQ is at the beginning of the book, and then delves more into examples of living the QBQ lifestyles. I highly recommend this book along with QBQ! I have applied so much of what I have learned in my current role, and it has given me new found confidence in my abilities at work.

[Jen Melham · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read this for work.

It should have been titled “How to Burn Yourself Out and Always Put Other People’s Priorities Before Your Own”

Look, there were a couple nuggets in this book. The one part I did like was when he talked about leaving a legacy of service. That is something I hope I’m able to do. But the rest of this book was so condescending and holier than thou I wanted to throw it out the window.

Thank goodness it was short.

[Yura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book really useful and applicable especially in a workplace environment where people tend to complain a lot and blame others. This book really changed my mindset and that we always have to a choice - to offer the best I can and always ask what can I do, how can I help to find a solution.

[Emily Kuper · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you’re a straight white executive, you should read this. If you’re literally anyone else, protect your peace and work on your boundaries instead.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the original QBQ! book; however, it didn't feel like I was missing anything while I read through this one.
The way the author changes up the questions to request the same information but in a way that is "politically correct" or more "tactful" is amazing. I'm not sure if I will be able to remember how to do it but I am sure gonna try!!

[Andrea White · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let’s just say this book made me want to permanently flip my switch off.

[Maggie Harrington · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I believe the principles outlined in this book have universal usefulness, it completely overlooks the experiences of marginalized workforces. Furthermore, it assumes that those around you have only positive or neutral intentions—a notion most of the working class knows to be overly optimistic, even if professionalism demands we act as though it were true.

It’s unfortunate, as the focus on personal accountability, lifelong learning, and similar values truly are beneficial for everyone. Nevertheless, the book primarily serves as a neat package best suited for the stereotypical white male corporate middle manager—the very demographic most likely to have assigned this book to you.

[Brianna Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should be called “How to Help Your Corporate Job Take Advantage of You”

Another alternate title- “Eat Shit With A Smile On Your Face”

I had to read this book for work. There are a couple of good points but too many stupid anecdotal stories and the author seems so self centered.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick listen while on the road.

[Cindy (BKind2Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book on personal accountability - I had not read QBQ but that didn't seem to make much difference as the author takes the time to explain the concepts there. This is a quick read and there isn't much repetition. It is something that should be taken to heart in all areas of business, especially those involved with customer service.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's all just describing problems of accountability without offering solutions or tactics on how to "flip the switch." Just a bunch of statements of, "Don't do this, just be better," "You probably think this way," or "This is a common behavior."

There's a lot of flashy words and phrases that, in the end, don't mean anything because he has nothing behind to support what he's saying.

His "messages" in his examples don't always match up with his main point or the title of the chapter (which happens to be a buzz word). I'm not against an author of this genre coming up with a catchy phrase and marketing it as theirs (I mean whatever sells the books), but you can't change the definition of words like what he was doing with humility, knowledge, etc.

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book on personal responsibility and why, in any situation, asking "what can I do?" Instead of placing blame or responsibility on anything else,, no matter what, is optimal. I love this concept.

This book has several great examples of how to employ this practice and stories from how others have used it Overall this slim volume felt like a large advertisement to read the authors other book, QBQ. If you've read that book you may enjoy this more. If you haven't,refer to my first sentence snd avoid all the posturing.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for work. I see the benefit of changing your negative questions to positive but I think the book could have been summed up by that. It felt like this book was just marketing for the QBQ book. I also really didn’t like some of the stories. For example, the encyclopedia bit - some people value knowledge over tv stands and curtains. Maybe this family wanted the encyclopedias as an investment for their children. Who is this sales lady to judge that they shouldn’t buy them because they have two young children and rip up their check? Didn’t sit right with me.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flipping the Switch by John C. Maxwell is a helpful and easy-to-read book about how changing your attitude can improve your life. Maxwell does a good job of breaking down ideas into simple steps that anyone can follow. The "five switches" he talks about are a clear and useful, although some of the advice might feel familiar if you've read other self-help books. While parts of it repeat the same ideas, the personal stories and practical tips keep it interesting and motivating. It's a solid pick for anyone looking to make small, positive changes in their life.

[Arun Narayanaswamy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though the book covers fairly interesting topics and examples on how to go that extra mile, it sort of loses the plot on the main title of the book “flipping the switch”. Firstly the topic itself is generic and probably the reason for the book to go on tangential topics from great customer service to money management. Though those are examples to highlight aspects of transformation it does not really flip the switch on what the author wants to convey! Avoidable

[Eugene Sedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good approach to LOCST, lifelong Learning, Ownership, Creativity (within the box), Service, and building Trust. This helped me deal with managers of a 14,000+ person government bureaucracy that tended to suppress ideas and inputs from people that were talented enough to help solve long standing problems.

[Ryan Barretto · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to make the people in your organization more accountable? - read this book and do the exercises with your teams. There's a great chapter on a critical element for organizational functioning - TRUST.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another quick read with several examples.
There's a refresher on QBQ and then we go into how Accountability in several key areas (learning, ownership, creativity, service, and trust) changes your perspective on your work and your ability to deliver amazing customer service.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was mostly a refresher on the original QBQ book with maybe 25% new material geared towards leaders and some new stories. You know what though, I'm fine with that. It was time to revisit this topic anyways. It was a worthwhile 90 minutes.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivating. I enjoyed it and it had practical suggestions.

[Joel Stockstill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great daily read

Good follow up to the amazing QBQ book. I recommend as a practical guide to implement all the life changing principles from that game changer book.

[Mike Green]

Didn’t seem too different than the original.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and easy to read companion to QBQ. I was able to take several lessons and add them to daily practice. I will also be sharing them with our company

[Peter Mancini · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd time was better than the 1st

[Alex K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice, quick little book on personal accountability. Good for work, great for everyday life. All about perspective.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Discovered that I owned but never read (I think) the sequel to QBQ. Good review with a few additional tidbits. Time to apply in my new position.

[Koen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Perfect follow up to the QBQ! We often learn best practices and don’t apply them. Having specific actions to use our learnings is essential to grow.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flipping the Switch is the companion to The QBQ and was recommended to me. It expands upon The QBQ and gives useful real-world applications. A short read, and applicable.

[Jordan Garnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

More Corporate propoganda but again, stories are entertaining

[Abby Epplett · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good stories, but mostly questionable behavior held up as good and a strong dose of victim blaming. In other words, a standard self-help book.