Reading is fundamental. Regular reading should not end with high school. I recently took a course where I had to investigate early pioneers within the scope of organizational development. Of all that I came across, the study of Henry Fayol was most insightful. Oftentimes, research about theories can leave out the theorist with focus on the application and implication of their work. Nevertheless, Fayol was a trendsetter in the area of principle leadership. He was a founding father who gave meaning to “scientific management” (Bolman, p. 45, 2013). Because of him, many like Maxwell, Partridge, and Collins have written books about the quality of the work in balance with the quantity of work.
It is important that we examine our beliefs and constantly study others who have been successful in the areas that we want to excel in. Reading is a great exercise to help increase insight, provide contrasting perspectives, and give massive growth opportunities. This is one of the reasons that I have been sharing Dale’s book. Often, we lack growth because we are not reading. We can all accelerate growth in our relationships at home and work by making this inexpensive investment in ourselves. There are many ways to consume information. Here are three quick tips:
- Listen to audiobooks on Audible.com.
- Use your tablet for reading ebooks.
- Go to your local public library.
Reading books through these three outlets will give you a great start. Start with books that are easy to read. This will allow you to build reading stamina and jump start the journey to becoming a life-long learner. One of the great things I learned about Fayol is his attention to detail. Bolman and Deal (2013) inspired the notion of “delegation of responsibility” (Bolman, p. 45, 2013). While this may seem insignificant, it is these three words that often separate successful from unsuccessful projects.
Fayol was one of earliest thought leaders who brought definition to scientific management. He was a trailblazer in his own right, becoming a basis for many modern management designs.
I have skimmed Fayol’s work, but I need to read it more in depth. Thanks for the recommendation to dig deeper. Right now I am reading Outliers: The Story of Success by Gladwell. It’s a great book so far. Great post, Dewitt!
Reading in a low beach chair with my feet right in the surf line is one of the most relaxing things I have ever done (and continue to do). But reading is not just a leisure activity. It is a necessity for every leader, because it is the primary means by which we learn new information; and lifelong learning is essential for every leader.
I am on vacation currently, so I’ve packed away “beach reads” here, nothing heavy: Before They are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings, books two and three in “The First Law” series by Joe Abercrombie.
Thanks for reminding readers of the importance of reading, Dewitt.
One of the underestimated benefits of reading is that it helps your writing. I’m currently reading Knowing God, The Last Lion — biography series on Winston Churchill — and Ghost Fleet, which is fiction book about cyberwarfare.