I regularly ask lots of questions to my family, friends, and clients. The favor is rarely returned. Rarely.
When the volley comes my way, however, it comes right down the middle like a gentle service to my forehand side. It could come face to face, via text, over the mobile, or over the wire. The question is around what kinda book might I suggest, what am I currently reading, or what do I happen to think about so and so’s new book. I get this question all the time. I guess it’s cause folks tend to figure I’m some kinda reader, even if my writing style is a little lame to say the least.
Since I “learned” how to read in 2005, my answer is always something like this. Do NOT read the popular shit unless you’re looking to laugh, not learn. Do NOT read the leadership fluff unless the author’s name is Friedman, Quinn, Maccoby, Diamond, Dweck, Ekman, Deci, Peck, Taleb, or someone that is doing their own research. Most of the books being written today are just re-manufactured pieces of candy authored by second-handers (Thanks Ms. Rand). Don’t bother…
Do study history. Figure out some period and some people that intrigue you, and go do your homework. Read all around ’em. Do NOT look for simple answers to difficult problems. There are no quick fixes. Practice one of our BTL disciplines and get busy swallowing it whole; Study, learn, and apply. Study, learn, and apply; not to get smarter, instead, to get better.
Study, learn, and apply.
Studying the popular pieces of 200 page fluff is not going to build real, sustainable strength anymore than a diet of sugar and simple carbohydrates will build real, sustainable strength in your muscles. Study, learn, and apply is a great recipe as long as you start by studying from some sources that make you think, stretch your beliefs, and cause Y.O.U. to grow. Choose wisely what you put in your brain.
You choose. Your choices have consequences…
BUILT TO LEAD 