I love reading. A lot. If you’ve kept up with this blog for any length of time you already know that. In fact, as I’m writing this blog I am nearly done with “Noise” by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass Sunstein. It’s an interesting and somewhat troubling book - but not one we are going to talk about today.
Reading is incredibly important. Especially for leaders. And if you aren’t reading you are missing out on so much. But there is a potential issue that comes with it.
Too often we (and my hand is currently raised because I’m guilty of this) only read things that serve to confirm what we already believe. We are looking for validation.
If you’ve ever bought a book on Amazon or on Audible you get this section that will pop up. They are book recommendations based on your searches and purchases. And they are really convenient and surprisingly accurate.
But all too often they are books that are similar in content to what you just bought. Or bought recently. Hence, the content will be a reinforcement of what you’ve read and probably believe.
I’m not saying what you believe or do is wrong. I’m just encouraging you to read something that maybe isn’t in line with what you think. I’m encouraging you to read it critically. Is there any portion of this that you should be adopting? Is there any part of the book that you should implement as a tool in your toolbox?
Even if you find that you are in fact believing and doing the right thing, now you have further confirmation of it. You also are better able to articulate why.
Recommended reading - I recommend it. I am also advocating for expanding your horizon. To be able to answer the questions: How do I know what I think I know, why do I what I do, and why do I believe what I believe? Do your reading, leader!
