Every one of us gets anywhere in life due to three things: someone observes us, forms an opinion about us, and decides to give us an opportunity…or not. Likewise, we do the same thing with others. People have played this essential role in our lives, and we play it in the lives of those around us—and no matter how skilled we’ve become, we can play it even better. The sequence applies in business, the church, marriages, parenting, and friendships. We often assess others in the blink of an eye. We instinctively notice the look on someone’s face, the tone of voice, or the body language that’s consistent or different from the words being spoken. We react to our observation, but we seldom stop to analyze before we respond—it just happens, and it happens immediately: we observe and have an opinion, and based on what we’ve determined in that second, we either give the person an opportunity to engage with us or we close the door and remain guarded. The Sequence to Success: Three O’s That Will Take You Anywhere in Life is a leadership book, but it’s not limited to corporate presidents, CEOs, or lead pastors; it’s for everyone who has a position of influence in another person’s life—and that includes all of us. In this book, Sam Chand brings our subconscious assumptions into the light. With more insight and confidence, you’ll make better decisions to advance the people around you…or perhaps show them the door. These principles also help you become more conscious that people are observing you and forming opinions about you that will open or close doors of opportunity.
This book has nuggets of helpful information that are encouraging . We all want to be successful but at times we struggle in that area. Leaders in a church do observe others in order to discern who might make great leaders. I liked how the author explained that we are to do our best at everything. People may be watching how we work, but God is watching our attitude. Are we cheerful and respectful? Do we represent the heartbeat of God? I will never forget the day I was promoted at the library I worked at. I went through all the interview process even though everyone knew me. All I thought about was failing and being embarrassed in front of my peers if I was turned down for the job. Little did I know that I had been observed by my boss for awhile. When I was told I got the promotion, I was excited. I was now a supervisor of twenty-six people in my dream job at the library. My boss called me into her office one day. I had no idea what she wanted to talk to me about. To my surprise she let me know the reason I got the promotion over others that had applied. She said, “ You were chosen for your leadership ability, your integrity and your passion.” There is something about you that draws people to you.” Do your best at everything and you will be rewarded “, I heard Jesus whisper as I walked out of my bosses’s office. I’m one of those people who work well under stress. If there is a crisis I’m the one people at work people would come to. It is not easy to here critical things said about you. If it is given in the right way, it will help you grow and learn from your mistakes. Our attitude is very important and the author gives great examples of how to have a good attitude and not push people away. Have you ever smiled at a stranger and had them smile back? Do you say hi to someone in a store as you pass them? The response we get from people will depend on our attitude. No one wants to be around an unhappy person everyday. When I was working I always brought my A game. I wanted to make my patrons at the library feel welcome. It was important for my staff to work well with each other. I was their example and wanted them to follow my example of a person who is approachable. I have received a lot of valuable input from this book. I would encourage this to be a must read for every leader in a church as well as in the workforce. We can only go as far as our leaders take us. If they don’t have good work ethics, it is hard to expect others to follow them. The author made a great point in letting readers know that this book is for everyone who is in or desires to be a leader. As I finished the book I thought about being a leader in our home. Our children observe us and imitate our actions. Are we being good examples for them to follow? When we go to church are we bringing our best attitude? This book gets a permanent spot in my bookcase. I need to be reminded sometimes to have a good attitude, observe what is around me and always do everything with my whole heart. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
It’s easy to misread the title of this book at first glance. Did I really want to read another book promising success secrets that obviously aren’t secrets because if they were, they wouldn’t be in a book?
I took a second glance—not secrets, but sequence. That was different.
Samuel R. Chand explains his three O’s theory in the introduction, so I’m not giving away any secrets by sharing them here. He says there is a clear sequence to success: observation, opinion, and opportunity.
He writes: … virtually all of us can trace our current situations back to three crucial engagements: someone observed us, formed a positive opinion of us, and then said, “I think you’d be good at… Let me give you this opportunity.”
Think about it: People are always watching us. What do they see?
We also need to watch other people and let them know we see them.
The Sequence to Success has a strong focus on leadership, which is Chand’s area of expertise. It’s a valuable message for any organization–businesses, churches, non-profits–as well as individuals.
Using a mix of faith-based and secular examples to illustrate his points, Chand discusses common mistakes leaders make and how to avoid them. For example, he says it’s up to leaders to clearly articulate the why behind what they are asking people to do. And they need to pay attention to make sure everyone understands it and spend more time explaining to those who don’t.
The tools Chand provides can be used for self-development as well as to guide others. We all have room to grow, and creating opportunities for others is one of the most effective ways to build success for ourselves.
He writes: All of us can improve. None of us has arrived. We can hone the skill of observation so that we become more perceptive and effective in all of our relationships. It all starts with opening our eyes and ears to notice the words, expressions, and body language of the people around us.
The Sequence to Success is an easy yet profound read. It’s clear and well-structured. You’ll be able to immediately apply Chand’s advice and see results.
He writes: Someone out there holds the key to your future. … You hold the key to many people’s futures.
When you finish The Sequence to Success, you’ll know where the keys are and how to use them to unlock an infinite number of doors.
My Thoughts on The Sequence to Success: I have to admit I have gotten a lot of self-help books given to me over the years but I rarely read them. It’s not that there is anything wrong with them, just that I love reading fiction in my reading time and don’t want to “waste” it on those books. Wrong attitude? Maybe, but it was my escape from the world and I didn’t want to work on me while I was escaping!
I’ve grown up some. Now, I read these type of books but I make time for them rather than give them my fiction relax time. Because they’re not a relaxing book. You have to read them and invest in them so that they can truly work. If you read them just to read them nothing will change.
This book has some good points on how to be successful. I can’t say that my goal in life is success. My goal has more to do with raising children who love God and don’t end up in jail. So I read this book with more of a how to be successful in my own personal goals.
I did enjoy this book. It was insightful on how we view others and even sometimes ourselves. We form opinions on others based on our first impressions upon seeing them. This book could be utilized by anyone.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Chand's book is a good, basic one. It includes good ideas for leaders who want to improve themselves and their relationships to others as well as give others opportunities to grow.
He reminds us we are always being observed and gives good ideas for making good impressions on others. He addresses issues that might make others have critical opinions of us. I like his ideas on observing others to understand them better, such as asking questions. He also has good insights on receiving opportunities as well as seeing that others have them too.
This is a good book for new leaders or ones who have not read much on leadership skills. You will get a good deal of basic leadership information that will help you in your role. Chand has added some questions to think about to help individuals and groups reflect and incorporate what he teaches.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This book offers practical counsel to get ahead in life. I enjoyed learning about the author’s experiences and how he advanced from janitor to college president. His advice for how to relate to others can be applied by anyone in relationships, but is especially practical for those in leadership. He explains how to help others succeed and to share the success you achieve. You don’t have to put others down in order to rise, but can lift them with you and bring them along on the journey. The book is short, with only six chapters divided into three sections, which cover observations by others and ourselves, opinions, and opportunities. So it doesn’t take long to read, but provides material to consider and adapt to your own life. It would be good to study in leadership training or as a small group study. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
In true Sam Chand fashion of making the complexities of leadership simple Chand provides three simple O's that determine our effectiveness of leaders as well as upward movement in any life pursuit. In this book Chand focuses on how observations, lead to opinions, which either set up and open the door or close the doors to opportunities. I would recommend this to any business owner, CEO, Ministry leader, and pastor. You will after reading this book understand why some doors stay closed, and why other doors are opened for you. It will also cause you to be reflective to work on how you present yourself to be entrusted with the opportunities that may lead to you place of desired success.
This is a nice basic book that discusses leadership and success from a Christian perspective. It has some helpful tips and a bit of encouragement in it. It’s perfect for those who are looking for some tips to improve their relationships, both personally and professionally, and how they deal with other’s in their life.
While success shouldn’t necessary define who we are, and it looks different for everyone. This book does offer some thought-worthy points worth considering.
The Sequence To Success had me frequently agreeing with what the author was writing. Full of Biblical Truths, personal experiences, and more this book has a lot to offer. In a day and time where many people have an excuse for anything and everything, it is refreshing to read a book that emphasizes working hard and be patient.
I loved reading about how the author had to be patient in order to win his future father-in-law over to bless their marriage. I also loved reading how he became the president of the college he once went to school while also serving on the janitorial staff in order to afford tuition
Truly this book is one every Christian should read. So check it out for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
"The Sequence to Success"by Samuel R. Chand is a book about leadership. Don't let that make you decide not to read it because the author explains that this sequence applies in business, the church, marriages, parenting, and friendships.
Chand points out that we are always being observed by others because the camera is always on. He also points out that we are always observing others as well. He describes issues that make others have critical opinions of us and he gives us questions and examples of what questions we need to ask in any given situations to make our encounters and relationships better. I like that his examples are ones that a simple person like me can understand what he is saying.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.