i love reading, and i’m so thankful that all of my kids love reading too. it’s such an amazing thing when you think about it, the ability to take symbols and squiggles on a page and translate them into ideas and images and meanings, all in the briefest instant. it’s probably one of biggest things we take for granted in the western world, the ability to read. there was a time in history where the privilege of learning to read and write was the domain of the elite.
i’ve said it before, and i’ll say it again… the old aphorism that “leaders are readers” is absolutely true. if you aspire to be a great leader (however you wish to define “great”), it ain’t gonna happen unless you are prepared to crack open some good books and go on a journey of growth and expand your mind with big ideas, learning from others, and being stimulated to think in directions you had never considered before.
i talk to a lot of leaders who are too busy too read – and i think that if they’re leaders, they can’t afford not to read. build it into your schedule… make it part of your busyness, but don’t neglect it because every one of those books you digest makes you a bigger person and better leader.
“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them. - Mark Twain
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Speaking of reading. I ordered this interesting looking book “unChristian” from Amazon a couple of weeks ago – haven’t read it yet but it’s basically a look at some Barna research about how young Americans view Christianity, with comments by leaders like Rick Warren, John Stott and others.
Anyway I received 2 packages yesterday. The first one I opened was this book. Opened up the second and it’s the same book – somehow Amazon sent me two copies. So if you haven’t got it and want a copy it’s yours. Looks like an interesting read.
I reckon our Kids & Youth departments could be interested in the extra book Baggas received.
I also have just received a parcel from Amazon. Communicating for a Change you recommended recently. I let you know what I think of it once I’ve had a read.
Too late! The Kids and Youth can borrow it off me when I’m done… :-)
If they took the time to skim their boss’s blog, they might have been quicker… :-)
Hey Brian
I totally agree with you on the “reading” post. It’s so important that we stay informed.
Keep on reading!
Peace & blessings
J