A few years ago, I started asking people a simple question. What’s a book that inspired you the most?
At first, I was just looking for book recommendations. I’ve always loved books. Over the years I’ve probably read more books on leadership, personal growth, sales, business, and
human behavior than I care to admit.
So whenever I met someone successful, I’d ask them what book had influenced them the most. What surprised me was that their answer often told me more about the person than the book.
A few months ago, I was interviewing a top producer on my What’s Working Now podcast and asked him the same question. Without hesitation he said, The Fred Factor.
Then he casually mentioned that he’d personally given away more than 1,800 copies over the years.
- 1,800 copies.
- That got my attention.
- I ordered the book that day.
The premise is pretty simple. Ordinary people can create extraordinary value by caring a little more, serving a little better, and doing more than what’s expected. Nothing revolutionary. And yet, it stuck with me. Since reading it, I’ve found myself looking for “Freds.”
- Not just in business. Everywhere.
- The waitress who remembers your name.
- The person at the airport who goes out of their way to help someone.
- The Loan Officer who calls a client back on a Saturday because they know they’re stressed.
- The processor who treats every file like it’s her own.
The funny thing is that once you start looking for these people, you see them all over the place.
That got me thinking about something I’ve believed for a long time.
- Success leaves clues.
- Not shortcuts.
- Clues.
- Sometimes those clues are found in books.
- Sometimes they’re found in conversations.
- Sometimes they’re found in the way people treat other people.
One of the reasons I started my What’s Working Now podcast was because I wanted to spend more time around successful
people and learn how they think.
What I’ve discovered is that the most valuable lessons usually aren’t complicated.
- They’re often hiding in plain sight.
- You just have to notice them.
- At 66, I’m still collecting clues.
- I suspect I always will be.
- And maybe that’s the real lesson.
- Stay curious.
- Pay attention.
- Keep learning.
The teachers are everywhere if we’re willing to look for them.
So let me ask you the same question I’ve asked hundreds of people over the years:
What’s a book that has had a lasting impact on your life or career?