Barriers To Books
Fortunately for me, reading was an important part of my life from very early on. But maybe that's not the same for you, or you haven't taken/had time to do much reading lately.
Whether it's out of lack of interest or time, the result is the same. It's not the financial investment, since every library has physical and online bookshelves right in your community for no cost at all. Stop missing out on powerful, brilliant tools that could help you accomplish your personal goals, meet your company's objectives and make a much more impressive impact. I'm pretty confident that if you are reading this, you are committed to continuing to grow and develop yourself, and others.
Someone Else Did the Heavy Lifting
These authors all began with an idea, a concept, a challenge- one that many of you are facing. They spent months, year even, collecting and curating research with professionals. Stats, surveys, interviews, professors, real-people...and then did the hardest part, put it into a format you could easily carry, mark up, and refer back to whenever you want...or need. All typically for between $12 and $30.
Take advantage of the years and years of compounded expertise and look at your next book option as a Time-Saving Tool instead of a chore.
10-15 Minutes that Will Change Your Mind On Reading
This is NOT a novel where you will RUIN the ending! These are books, packed full of information, and even the smallest slices can make a difference.So if time- or lack of interest in reading itself- are issues, here are a few tips from me and my website:
Choose what catches your interest. That's probably the best place to begin.
Inside the cover, write one quick note to yourself on why you picked this book. "I heard this might help me with ideas to____" -something like that.
Grab a highlighter or pen, or add separate sheets of paper and tuck into your book for when you have time
Read the Index- highlight what interests you most.
Flip through the book quickly, highlighting not just the section headers, but the EDGES of those pages- quick way to find key sections.
Read the opening paragraph + closing page of any sections that appealed to you.
Take a minute to look at the graphics or charts- what are they saying and why? Does this look like something that would help?
Flip back through and see what you already learned in 10-15 minutes
Enjoy It Your Way- Paper or Podcast
Dive in wherever you like! Do you feel like some topics grab your attention more than others? Go there. Imagine yourself at a pool- which part is most enjoyable to you at this moment? You don't have to do a swan-dive into the deep end or do 50 laps in the marked lanes to enjoy the pool. Sit on the side, dangle your feet in or wade in up to your waist. Who told you that one way was better than the other. Just get started and enjoy your material, your way.
More people than ever are enjoying podcasts and audiobooks- be sure to use some of the same tips above for getting the most out of your listening. Join millions of daily listeners, find authors you think you might enjoy- listen, and then grab their printed material for more depth.
We find this in the coaching we do for our clients as well. Where are they most comfortable- and what will they actually take action on...and enjoy?!
Saving Time-Finding Great Authors You Can Trust
I pay close attention to not simply the topic of the book, but who wrote it. The style and tone of an author, coupled with their talent and knowledge, are very essential components to me as I read.
You can read much more on these people, but here is my introduction to you of carefully selected writers you can trust:
Business:
@Jim Clifton of the Gallup Companies, 'Born to Build', 'It's the Manager' , @Bob Burg, 'Go Giver' series, @Erica Peitler, 'Leadership Rigor' and 'Leadership on the Ground' @David A Fields, 'Irresistable Consultant's Guide to Winning Clients, @Sean Covey, 'The Four Disciplines of Execution, @Malcom Gladwell, 'The Tipping Point', 'Blink' 'Outliers' and for today, we will wrap with John Doerr, 'Measure What Matters'
Professional Development:
@Margie Warrell 'Live Bravely', @Melinda Gates, 'The Moment of Lift', @Ray Dalio, 'Principles'
Other: Always- Always, Michael Lewis! 'Moneyball', 'The Big Short', 'Blind Side'...some of my best insights ever for my business were in Moneyball
You're Never Alone Again
Suddenly, you will see your opportunities and challenges differently, and you will know you are never alone. Someone else has cut a path for you.
You'll know you are on your way when you begin applying what you read, listening for the recommendations of others and looking for new opportunities to secure brilliance from these writers. Who knows, maybe you will become a person others look to for the latest recommendations and insights. You might even find yourself sharing your books, podcast lists and may even 'Amazon' books to a colleague you believe would enjoy and benefit from one of your latest reads.
Not only are you never alone again with your challenges, you will help others when they need a lifeline like the words in these books can provide. You offer help they need, when they need it most, in the form of a $15 book or podcast, and you have a friend for life. Be the trusted colleague. Make 15 minutes and enjoy the unlimited benefits!
More to Come
I will be writing more on some of these books and authors soon, but in the meantime, look for our upcoming webinar and podcast series, 'Transforming Automotive.' At Foster Strategies Group, we are committed to continuous improvement, and work with leaders to do the same. I hope you give reading, especially these authors, a renewed chance and some of your time. It's worth it.
We would love to hear more about who you are reading and the latest benefits you have seen from the material you discovered. Send your notes to laurie@fosterstrategiesgroup.com.
To our success- Laurie
If you're interested in learning more about working with people committed to their ongoing improvement and yours, click here to set up a confidential conversation.
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