Fast-Starting a Career of Consequence - The OnlineBookClub.Org Review
Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Fast-Starting A Career of Consequence" by Fred Sievert.
As Christians, we are happiest and most pleasing to God when we identify our God-given spiritual gifts and then use them in service to the Lord and in pursuit of our chosen careers.
In Fast-Starting A Career of Consequence, Fred Sievert offers insight for readers entering the workforce and those pivoting their careers due to the pandemic. After Sievert’s daughter graduated from college, she asked him what she could do to stand out as a young employee in a large cosmetics company. Sievert refers to the advice he shared with his daughter as the "genesis" of the book. His informative guide reveals the tips he has applied as "a former president of a Fortune 100 company," mentor, and speaker. Sievert emphasizes the connection between faith and career, explains how to apply biblical principles in the workplace, and suggests practical steps for achieving a successful and fulfilling career.
He delivers a comprehensive guide that is flawlessly edited. Sievert illustrates how to apply the Golden Rule with clients and coworkers, and he discusses the benefits of prayer both for guidance and to resolve conflicts. Sievert references companies that practice Christian core values, such as Hobby Lobby, In-N-Out Burger, and Chick-fil-A. However, he also includes pertinent examples from successful companies like Starbucks. Although it is "not a company known for Christian values," it has loyal customers and meaningful values.
There is a lot to like about this motivational read. I admire Sievert's emphasis on balancing faith, family, and career, which he discusses in the final chapter. I especially enjoyed the portions about his "accidental legacy"; Sievert described the origin, tradition, and positive benefits of bringing his children on occasional business trips. Although the mere mention of this practice may result in a few raised eyebrows, readers are likely to come away with a different perspective after reading the chapter.
There isn't anything I dislike about the book as a whole. However, Sievert's suggestions that employees demonstrate their commitment by arriving early, leaving late, and working occasionally on weekends seem slightly contradictory to his statement later in the book: "the more hours we work, the less productive we become." Even so, this is a minor inconsistency in Sievert's otherwise cohesive message.
It is my pleasure to rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. Although it will primarily speak to Christians readers, Sievert's proven tips and business expertise may appeal to a broader audience during this time when many readers may need to pivot the direction of their careers. The book contains no profanity.