“There are no bad readers, just those with bad reading habits.” ~ Jim Kwik
Great leaders are most often avid readers and have intentional habits to allow prioritized time to read insightful books that help them lead. Reading gives a leader a place to explore, discover and learn – it triggers the creative energy of vision and strategy. great leaders take the best of what they read and apply the best practices to their authentic leadership style, vision, and strategies.
In the past month I have asked leaders to share with me what book they are reading. Those who were currently reading, not only shared the name of the book, but the impact the book was making in their personal and professional life. Some stated reading provided them a quiet place to be creative with their vision and strategy, and are adamant about carving out time to spend reading. Others who were not currently reading shared, they have a strong desire to read, have purchased books and have them stacked and ready to read, but are not motived and unable to find the time to read. Only a couple stated they are not readers, do not enjoy reading, and definitely do not see themselves making time to read. Note: These are at the same individuals that think their way is the only way, and why change, this is how we have always done things.
We also looked at a number of research studies on the science and power of reading. The research shows that over a one year period adults on average will read between 2-4 books per year, while the average leader is reading 4-5 books per month. Leadership research on reading shows that “deep broad reading habits are often a defining characteristic of our greatest leaders and can catalyze insight, innovation, empathy, and personal effectiveness.” One of the most interesting reading statistics that is negatively and indirectly impacting economics and business is reported by the National Center for Education Statistics is: 32 million adults in the United States can’t read.
Reading is a skill that can be developed, strengthened and sharpened over time. Learning the art of reading requires a desire for patience, desire for continuous learning and self-awareness, commitment to prioritize, and discipline to focus, comprehend and hold relevance for future support. The in-depth and variety of perspectives, concepts, theories, and data create currency for leaders to generate value, growth and opportunity, as well as encourage leaders to demonstrate necessary behavioral, process, and/or cultural change often need to maintain and sustain the vitality of their own leadership, the cohesiveness of their teams, and the organization.
When leaders read books daily the cognitive narrative connectivity and energy becomes a positive and exponential impact for all.
If you are one of those leaders who have purchased the books but not yet read them, or are one of the great leaders whose habit is to read daily and are seeking to influence your teams to do the same, consider the following reasons to read, review and reference a few good habits, and fuel your leadership tank for ways to motivate your team and other stakeholders to read – more:
SEVEN REASONS TO READ
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- HEALTH – Reading heightens brain connectivity.
- LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE – Be the leadership role model your team needs.
- WISDOM – Quality content to share with your leadership teams.
- CLARITY – Gain thoughtful leadership insight and knowledge.
- CONTINUOUS LEARNING – Understand and utilize important business concepts.
- COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE – Gain a distinct business advantage.
- EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – Improves cognition, behavior, communications, and relationships.
PRACTICE GOOD READING HABITS
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- Place and Posture – find a relaxed and comfortable environment, try to sit up straight with feet on the floor. Make sure you have good lighting.
- Read with Purpose and Good Intentions – read to learn is a great place to start. Be realistic about your concentration and attention span, especially the time you give yourself and the goals you set around reading. Be present and cognitive, and intentional with your energy while you read. Remove all distractions.
- Read with curiosity. Whether recommended or attracted to a book, be curious, be a sponge. If the book turns out to be so-so, take to the library and donate the book.
- Keep a journal and take notes. Savor those nuggets of information that support your vision, the mission, goals and objectives. Utilize the exponential power of words, especially words placed in the proper context.
SIX WAYS TO MOTIVATE YOUR TEAM TO EMBRACE THE HABIT OF READING DAILY
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- Invest in professional development.
- Give books or book store gift card as an employee recognition awards.
- Develop an internal library and book exchange program at the office for all employees. Send out a survey asking for employees top five all-time favorite business books – fill the company library with the top recommendations.
- Set aside 3-5 minutes in weekly team meeting to discuss current reading insights as they relate to current business activity, process, and strategy.
- Send a weekly email/newsletter sharing your recent read and insights. Ask for team and employees to share their insights and thoughts.
- Ask one of your leaders to initiate a company book club.
Are you ready to cash in on the powerful benefits of daily reading and enjoy the lasting positive connections and results in your personal and professional life? Are you a leader and want to develop positive, lasting behaviors that will create value, growth and opportunity for you, your team and your organization?
Let’s Talk!
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