How to get more from what you read and listen to this summer
Why leaders are readers
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If you’re going to be a leader, you’ve got to be a reader. So someone said, once upon a time.
The great thing about reading is that you can do it in many ways; short reads, long think pieces, paper-backs, e-books and audiobooks. There’s more ways than ever to get your fix.
Reading is an excellent way to expand your knowledge, gain insight into new concepts and ideas and inspiration.
Billionaires are quick to attribute their success to excessive reading. And scientific findings too suggest that “the benefits of reading books include a longer life in which to read them”.
But for leaders, reading isn’t enough.
Because you might have all the knowledge of the world in your head, but if you don’t learn from it and actually use it, it is of little value.
So to help you get more from what you learn and listen to this summer, read on.
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Schedule: In his extensive research Michael Simmons found that despite being extremely busy, leaders such as Oprah, Bill Gates and Elon Musk set aside at least an hour a day over their entire career for activities that could be classified as deliberate practice or learning.
If you read for 30 minutes a day that’s still an impressive 182 hours a year.
But if you spend just 3 minutes reading this each week, and 5 minutes thinking about it, that’s nearly a full day (7 hours) of learning a year more than you would otherwise have done.
What amount of time do you currently invest in intentional reading and learning?
What could it be? And what should it be?
What can you commit to right now to make one step closer to that?
Ask: If your inbox has been flooded with summer holiday ‘must read’ lists, you might be finding it difficult to hone in on the pieces that will get you the biggest return on your reading time.
Instead, look to those around you (mentors, sponsors, stakeholders, peers) for their recommendations
Who do you admire the most in the leadership world?
What are you trying to learn right now?
And then ask them: what has been the most impactful reading that has helped them do the thing you’re focussing on?
Share: Many leaders are avid consumers of books, podcasts, and professional magazines. But fewer share with their teams, direct reports or mentees on a regular basis what they are reading, and what they learning as a result, or use it as a basis for development conversations.
Think about what you have listened to or read this week.
What one thing have you read this week that provided the most insight to you?
What did you learn as a result?
Which two people could use a little inspiration from you this week if you shared it with them?
Show: Professional platforms aren’t just for showing you can do your job and making connections. Potential employers value those who demonstrate their commitment to continuous development, and social media can provide a perfect platform to showcase your appetite for personal growth.
What have you read this week that you could share with your network a) to help them and b) to showcase your passion for learning?
What could that make possible for you?
Scale: In business, team learning doesn’t need to be expensive. In fact, you can learn for free. Take one article, podcast or video that you’ve read or watched this week (feel free to use an issue of this if you like). Share it in advance of your leadership meeting and schedule 10 minutes for discussion on the following questions:
What resonated with you and what didn’t? Why?
What do you personally want to work on?
What does it highlight at a collective or organisational level that needs focus?
Related Reading:
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