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BFW-How Top Leaders Read: Beyond Facts to Principles and Solutions
Dear Reader,
Welcome to another edition of Brain Food Wednesdays, your weekly intellectual feast. In this edition, issue 215, we dive into how top leaders read.
Introduction
Chris Brady, a renowned leadership expert and author, once said, “Leaders are less concerned with the mere knowledge of a million facts than they are with the internalization and application of real principles and solutions. Leaders read to learn what they need to know, do, or feel, regardless of the author’s intent or words.” This quote embodies the essence of how top leaders approach reading. It’s not about accumulating facts, but about extracting insights and ideas. This article delves into the reading habits of top leaders and how they differ from the norm.
Reading for Principles and Solutions
Top leaders don’t read for the sake of amassing information. They read to understand principles and discover solutions. And they approach a book or an article with a clear objective: to extract valuable insights that can apply to their personal or professional lives. They’re not just passive consumers of content. They’re active learners, engaging with the material, questioning it, and drawing their conclusions.
Reading Beyond the Author’s Intent
Brady’s quote also highlights another critical aspect of how leaders read – they don’t limit themselves to the author’s intent. They’re open to interpreting the material in a way that aligns with their unique perspectives and circumstances. This ability to read beyond the original intent allows them to glean insights that might not be immediately apparent to others. They can transform even the most mundane content into a source of valuable knowledge.
Reading Broadly and Deeply
Top leaders understand the importance of both breadth and depth in their reading. They read broadly to expose themselves to a wide variety of ideas and perspectives. This helps them to stay informed about trends, innovations, and shifts in thinking across different fields. They also read deeply on subjects that are directly relevant to their work or personal growth. This balance between breadth and depth enables them to stay versatile and knowledgeable while also gaining expertise in specific areas.
Reading as a Habit
For top leaders, reading is not just an occasional activity; it’s a habit. They set aside dedicated time for reading, understanding that it’s an investment in their growth and development. They might read early in the morning to start their day on a note of learning, or late at night to wind down with some thought-provoking content. Regardless of the timing, the key is consistency. By making reading a habit, they ensure that they’re continually learning and growing.
Reading with Reflection
Finally, leaders don’t just read and move on; they take the time to reflect on what they’ve read. They ponder over the principles and solutions they’ve learned, thinking about how they can apply them in their lives. Reflection turns reading from a passive activity into an active one, enabling leaders to internalize the insights they’ve gained and put them into practice.
Conclusion
The way top leaders read sets them apart. They’re not just after facts; they’re after principles and solutions. And they read beyond the author’s intent, interpret the material in their own way, and extract insights that apply to them. They read both broadly and deeply, making reading a habit and taking time to reflect on what they’ve learned. By adopting these habits, you can turn your reading into a powerful tool for learning and growth.
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Warm regards,
Avil Beckford
Editor, Brain Food Wednesdays
Founder, The Invisible Mentor & Art of Learning Leadership Academy