Executives and managers need time to read.
It's that simple. If you aren't checking out new approaches to your job or ways to improve yourself, you can quickly become the intellectual equivalent of an isolated village that is at the crossroads of nowhere and has no boats of traders coming up river with stories and news.
This is not easy. Many people regard reading as a form of goofing off; some head-in-the-clouds exercise that will produce few practical benefits.
Given that prejudice, setting aside time to read will be a rather gutsy move so here's a modest proposal: Take a mere 45 minutes every day. Put it down on your calendar. Get a leadership or management book that promises to be helpful - send me an email if you'd like a recommendation - then start your program and stick with it for a month. After that time, see if you've gotten any ideas that have made a positive difference in how well you perform your job.
My prediction: You will find that it has been time well spent. Just 45 minutes a day and you'll notice a big difference.
4 comments:
Excellent. And you appear to like your women bookish too? E.
E,
Absolutely.
Michael
I love this post! I read everything from vapid romances to human psychology and behavior to Forbes, and love every minute of it! My latest acquisition is "The Power of Habit," and so far, I think it's a fascinating read.
(My husband tends to prefer reading tech manuals for fun, but to each his/her own!)
CincyCat,
I like your reading habits!
Michael
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