KIRKUS REVIEW
A creative “job description” that explores personal ideals that may lead to interpersonal success in life.
In this debut book, Burnett, an experienced educator and devout Christian, creates and expounds upon a new job title: the CXO, or chief experience officer, who “delivers exemplary, life-changing experiences to family, friends, co-workers, and any other person he or she interacts with on a day-to-day basis.” Before delving into the details of what being a CXO entails, the author tells of ordinary people who had an extraordinary impact on him because of their simple yet meaningful actions, including his parents, grandparents, and former boss at a sporting goods store. Through their examples, he came to discover that “The meaning of life is to live with a purpose; by putting work into relationships and loving others.” After a brief introduction, Burnett puts forth the concept of the CXO in the form of a job description, complete with a professional presentation with multiple sections: “Position Summary”; “Principle Duties,” a list of 10 relationship-building qualities; “Requirements” (“No experience necessary”); “Core Competencies,” including approachability, humility, and generosity; and “Physical and Sensory Demands,” a somewhat tongue-in-cheek chapter about the joy that comes from being a CXO (“Must be able to withstand extended periods of peace and joy”). The principles and tone in this book are reminiscent of those in Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (1989). Not only does Burnett keep his explanations clear and concise, but he also accompanies them with real-world examples that will drive the principles home for readers; for example, he uses the concept of road rage to show how CXOs should pay attention to their values instead of their specific circumstances. The layout of the book is excellent, with a preface that builds the author’s credibility, an introduction that draws readers in with concrete examples, and then a multifaceted job description that’s enjoyable to read, easy to remember, and full of applicable wisdom. The Christian references throughout serve to strengthen points for religious readers, yet they’re subtle enough that non-Christians may also easily enjoy and profit from the book.
An innovatively organized guide with a wealth of inspiring, transformative principles.
