Leaders Read For Inspiration

If you are reading this post, you probably realize that I have been writing down a few thoughts about my journey in the realm of leadership. I had an interesting conversation with my daughter, Natalie, who assists with my digital communication.

After submitting an article that referenced one of the many books I had read through the years, Natalie FaceTimed me (evidently to make certain that I could get the full measure of her critique). She said, “Dad make sure your articles don’t sound like a book review.” Thus, I realized the explanation that I gave her is probably worth chronicling for the reader.

I have always loved books! It began when I was 4 years old. My sister, Dianne, who is 2 years my senior began to read. In 1959, my mother bought a collection of the American Classics from the door to door book salesman. The collection included Robinson Crusoe, Twelfth Night, The Tale of Two Cities, Catcher in The Rye and many more (I still have the books in my possession today). I thought to myself “if she can read, so can I.” I mimicked her every move, watched as she would sound out words and as she learned, so did I. I began to enjoy reading, by the time I was in 6th grade I had read the entire collection. The love of reading has taken me on journeys to foreign countries, inspired me to be better, challenged and shaped my view of the world and provided clarity to uncertainties.

Once I began to enter various positions of leadership, I realized that books added substance and depth to my presentations. In coaching there are repetitive concepts you constantly address, hustle, commitment, determination, resilience and persistence. Other than your foundational mantras, which require repetition, articulating them the same way gets boring. If boredom sets in, your coaching shelf life will reach an expiration date sooner, rather than later. Boredom creates complacency and when complacency becomes endemic you are done.

Reading does not detract from originality. You will discover just the opposite. It ushers the mind toward relevant present-day scenarios that creatively meet your players and staff where they are. Most of the great world leaders in politics, religion, the military and public service were and are voracious readers. The book entitled ‘The Leader’s Bookshelf’ by R. Manning Ancell and ADM. James Stavridis USN (Ret) identifies the books that were most impactful for some of the extraordinary leaders in modern times.

So, read more! The information you gather will broaden your scope, enhance creativity and promote out of the box thinking. Great leaders read for inspiration and I would encourage you to consider doing the same.