We study, learn, and apply, at BTL not so we can get smarter but so we can get better. We study, learn, and apply. The most important piece of that recipe is the third. We apply the same way anyone does, by ACTing on what we’ve been learning through our intense and purposeful study time.
We read and write. We speak and listen. We tell each other the truth in LOVE and sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn’t. We try to build each other stronger. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. We keep applying and experimenting. Sometimes we learn something worth applying, sometimes we don’t. We read good, hard, books that challenge us beyond our comfort. At least we try.
Rarely do I fall for an author and buy what they’re selling. I usually find that I buy a piece of the argument but not the whole. I’m a little nuts and kinda think I already know it all. I’ve got some issues. Moving on.
Clients are always asking me for new reads. I always point them back to the playbooks and tell them to read and write there first. Find an essential that challenges and scares you and go deeper. Once they’ve done this for a few rinses, I encourage them to go to the back of the playbooks and look for a book that we recommend. Rinse and repeat. Go deeper. Study, learn, and apply. Easy to understand but not the pill that most pursue and certainly not the quick fix or quick win we all seem prone toward.
However, in the spirit of giving you what some of you want, here are two recent reads that are off the BTL chart. Read and write in these. Speak and listen with your band of builders. AND, extrapolate to your work and life. These reads are capable of challenging you. They just are. And, as you ACT into those challenges, you will get better.
Start with Friedman’s A Failure of Nerve. This one will challenge you to apply ancient wisdom into your modern world. Don’t read this one sitting down. The entire books message is to get you to STAND.
Bookend this baby with a little Jane McGonigal. Reality is Broken, her page turner, is all about the power of good game design to change the world in which we live and work. You won’t believe the applications to your work and life. You just won’t. First, if you’re like me, she’ll have to convince you to let go of much of what you know. This is what we technically call remaining open when your brain wants the routine shortcut via your tendency, your working knowledge, your bias, and even your prejudice. Funny, huh.
Hey BTL Band, book ’em and then we’ll TALK.
God, I LOVE this work and this gift we call life…
BUILT TO LEAD 