What We’re Reading: Leadership Development
While this week’s “What We’re Reading” post isn’t exactly from the web, it is full of sources available online! Instead of our normal cover-to-cover reading of the Internet, we’ve tapped Principal Gene Crager to share some of his favorite sources, web and otherwise, on leadership development and personal growth.
Harry S. Truman said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” There is tremendous value in continued learning and personal growth not only as it pertains to leadership roles, but in all of life. This is reinforced through Albert Einstein’s quote, “Once you stop learning, you start dying.”
Personal growth does not happen accidentally, nor is it automatic. If you want to grow, then you will have to put forth effort and take action. Set aside some time to grow. Identify resources in areas of growth that fit your strengths and abilities.
It is reported that information and knowledge in every field is doubling every 2-3 years. Accessing that information is, now more than ever, easily available through print books, digital books, audio books and podcasts. Here are a few of the resources that I have found value in when it comes to leadership and personal growth.
The first leadership and personal growth book I read was “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. Over the years, this book has become a classic and served as inspiration for many of today’s books related to leadership and personal change, and continues to be one of my most valued books.
More recent books that have made an impact on my personal development include Dave Ramsey’s “EntreLeadership,” “How to Run Your Business by the Book” by Dave Anderson, “QBQ – The Question Behind The Question” by John G. Miller, and John C. Maxwell’s “Today Matters.” Most recently, I read “The Advantage – Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else in Business” by Patrick Lencioni.
A few books on my 2015 reading list include “The Go-Giver” Bob Burg and John David Mann, “The One Thing” Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, “Procrastinate on Purpose” by Rory Vaden, and Rabbi Daniel Lapin’s new book “Business Secrets from the Bible.”
Accessing books in multiple forms – print, digital, and audio formats – allows me to digest more material than I ever could through reading bound, printed material alone. You can listen to audiobooks while exercising, commuting or relaxing. And while utilizing multiple formats works for me, I encourage you to explore the formats that work best for you.
Podcasts are another resource from which you can gain great leadership and personal growth inspiration. There are hundreds of podcasts out there that cover practically every subject and sector in life ranging from topics such as spirituality, health, and fitness to finance, business and yes, leadership and personal growth.
Over the last two years, I have spent time listening to nearly twenty different podcasts and countless episodes. My current rotation includes nine regular podcast titles, some of which continued from last year, with new ones added since the start of the new year.
The following podcasts are instrumental in my own personal growth as well as leadership development: Chris LoCurto: Entrepreneur, Leadership Coach, Life Plan, Blogger; The EntreLeadership Podcast; This is Your Life with Michael Hyatt; and Dan Miller’s online radio show, 48 Days.
Podcasts come in two formats; specific, subject related material, and interview style. I really enjoy interview style podcasts in which the host interviews different leaders, writers, entrepreneurs or professionals. This exposes the listener to a wide variety of thoughts, authors and new areas of personal growth. “Beyond the To Do List” has been one of my favorite examples of this style podcast.
Since the new year I’ve added several new podcasts, including the Time Hackers Podcast – Become More Productive, Efficient, Successful, Entrepreneurs; Carnegie Coach – Daily Inspiration for Leadership, Communication and Engagement from Dale Carnegie; and John Maxwell: A Minute with Maxwell.
Like audiobooks, listening to podcasts is a great way to make what is typically down time more productive. These are the rare occasions when you can truly multiply your time by doing more than one thing simultaneously.
One of my favorite quotes is, “a goal without a plan is mere hype.” John Maxwell sums it all up in his blog titled, “Without a Plan, You’re Growing Nowhere” with these four points.
1) Set aside time for growth
2) Identify your areas of growth
3) Find resources in your area of growth
4) Apply what you learn
Intentional, personal growth in all aspects of life is one of my passions and forms the basis for most of my goals. This manifests itself in leadership and business knowledge. I would encourage each of you to consider intentional growth in your own life, and I hope these resources are helpful. I would relish the opportunity to share additional resources and continue the discussion with those that are interested. Feel free to contact me with any questions or to share resources that have been a source of value and inspiration to you.