Leaders are Readers

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Firstly, Leaders are naturally inquisitive, which leads them on a quest for knowledge. Leaders are hungry for knowledge thus they want to understand life, people, and reality. Reading can be a powerful catalyst for thinking; it has the potential for stimulating wisdom.

A long while ago, I heard someone say, “Leaders are readers.” It made a big impression on me, and I never forgot it.

Of course, it doesn’t follow that all readers are leaders, but I think we can safely say with little exception, all leaders are readers.


One of the best sources of knowledge is books since they usually offer the most in-depth information on any given topic. Anyone who is inclined to immerse themselves in learning has at least one of the innate qualities it takes to be a leader.

Reading books expands our vocabularies
Your communication is only as good as your vocabulary, which is directly linked to your intelligence. Leaders must be at the very least articulate. A strong leader will be convincing, demonstrative and eloquent. Without a diverse vocabulary, this is less likely.

Books are one of the best educational tools, and not just because of the subjects they cover; the language itself is an opportunity to learn. When an inquisitive person sees a word they don’t understand – even in the context of the sentence – they will go and look it up. Due to this, leaders gain a richer perspective, be truly expressive, and have many ways to convey their understanding.

Reading books means picking smart brains

One of the best ways to get inside the heads of those you admire is to read their book. There are the books that impart the exact knowledge you need. The chances are that what you’ll find inside such books will be the best of what’s in your would-be mentor’s head. After all, they’re showcasing what they know. You’re getting what they consider to be the most important information on the subject of interest.

Reading books can be inspiring

Biographies are some of the best books if you’re looking to be inspired. As they are written by a third party, you’ll usually get the full, unbiased lowdown on your chosen person and their path to the success you also seek.
 

Reading books gives us perspective on reality

The more books you read, the wider your perspective will become, and the more possibilities will become apparent.
What becomes even more apparent from reading books is that success of any kind takes time and effort. The experiences, research and subsequent presentation within that book were probably a long process with some degree of trial and error.

Reading Encourages Better Decision Making

Reading gives us access to experiences that are not our own. It exposes us to how other people approach problems in business and in life. This gives leaders more options to make better decisions. Through reading, leaders are exposed to different perspectives that may encourage them to take a new or different approach to conflicts. It also promotes tolerance of views outside of our own.
Becoming a Purpose Driven Reader
Time is limited. To maximize the benefit of time spent reading we need to be intentional and purposeful about our reading choices.
Here are tips to make your reading time both intentional and purposeful:
1.    Establish the reading habit: Set aside a specific block of time to read, and put it on your calendar like any other appointment or commitment. For some folks this is early morning, for others, it’s their lunch hour. Still, others find the evenings a perfect time to dive into a book.

2.   Read a variety of genres: If you are a business person step out and try reading a biography, a history book, or go crazy and read some Shakespeare! Be intentional about your selections.

3.   Apply what you read: Whether the book is specific to your industry or not, look for ways to apply what you are reading to your work. Get out your sticky notes and your highlighter. Make notes in the margins if you want, but take action on key points you discover as you read.

4.   Share the fun: If leaders grow by being intentional, purposeful readers then share the fun with co-workers. It’s a great way to build the depth of your organization.

5.   Relax and enjoy: Have some fun. Relax. Yes, be intentional and purposeful, but don’t forget to have some fun along the way!

If you want to be a leader, you must be a reader!

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