Josh Felber is the CEO/CMO of 10x Training Systems LLC, uncovering the mindset and success strategies of the top 1%.
Growing up, the importance of reading is always talked about. We are privy to libraries and the Internet and spend a lot of time reading and studying. As the years go by, less time is spent between the pages of a book. As grownups, we encourage children to read instead of spending time on tablets and phones. But we are guilty of not making time for reading ourselves. Yes, I hear you—a company to run, hobbies to pursue, skills to learn, courses to finish, family to spend time with and audiobooks to listen to. There is never enough time. And I agree a wealth of knowledge is available through seminars and videos too. Here’s why you must make the time to pick up a book and read it if you want to be a better entrepreneur.
De-Stress
Entrepreneurship is challenging, both physically and mentally. And if you want to scale up, you have to refocus your energy the right way every day. Whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, self-help, or poetry, books offer an escape into different worlds. Fiction (novels or short stories) offers an immersive experience with captivating plots and well-developed characters. The realm of imagination provides a break from reality. This may allow you to disconnect from work-related stressors.
On the other hand, nonfiction can provide opportunities for personal growth and learning. They offer insights into various fields like business, leadership, psychology and history. It is a great way to expand your knowledge. Self-help books can be particularly beneficial for entrepreneurs. They offer practical advice on managing stress, time, productivity and achieving work-life balance. These books provide actionable strategies that can help ease stress and improve your well-being. Reading poetry can provide a different kind of stress relief. The beauty of language and the expression of emotions in poetry can evoke a sense of calm. It allows you to slow down and reflect.
How exactly does this benefit you as a leader, though? Reading can help you to gain insights from diverse perspectives. This can positively impact your leadership style by improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ultimately keeping work stress at bay. This will enable you to approach challenges with a fresh perspective and make well-informed decisions.
To apply these de-stressing habits to your workday, set aside dedicated time. You could read during lunch breaks or before/after work. Consider creating a reading list relevant to your professional development goals. Encouraging your employees to cultivate the habit of reading can also be valuable. Establish a supportive environment. You could do this by sharing book recommendations, organizing a book club or providing access to relevant resources. Encouraging team members to de-stress through reading can enhance their personal growth and promote a culture of continuous learning.
Communication Skills
Reading can expand your vocabulary and make you a better speaker. You learn new words and phrases and how to use them daily. The more you read, the better an orator you can become. An effective leader is someone who has impeccable communication skills. And this can be developed through reading. As a CEO, you will stand out in a meeting if you are able to make heads turn with conversation. As a team leader, you will communicate ideas better. You will negotiate better deals. With enhanced oral and written skills, you will appear more confident. Your peers and management will take notice. On the whole, you can set yourself up for faster growth.
One crucial lesson in communication, through reading, is the power of effective storytelling. Leaders can learn how to craft compelling narratives that inspire and engage their teams, fostering a shared vision and purpose. They can apply this by incorporating storytelling into their presentations, team meetings or one-on-one conversations. This will make their messages memorable and impactful. Another lesson is active listening, which involves giving full attention, empathizing and seeking to understand others’ perspectives. Leaders can apply this by creating a culture of open dialogue, encouraging feedback and practicing active listening techniques such as paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions.
Fresh Perspectives
We may often think we know everything there is to know. But sometimes, looking at a complex situation differently can simplify it tenfold. Reading can give you an insight into people and how diverse their thoughts and beliefs are. I believe that, as an entrepreneur, you can bring out the most in people if you are able to empathize with them. And this skill of empathy develops by learning to look at other perspectives. When you read, you identify with other people. You understand why the character is the way he or she is. You can make sense of life. Your relationships and interpersonal problems appear clearer. As a result, you may even foster stronger employee relationships and build employee engagement. This can result in increased employee retention.
You can embrace new perspectives through reading by fostering a culture of inclusivity. One important lesson is to actively seek diverse viewpoints and encourage employees to share their opinions. Leaders can create opportunities for team members to express their thoughts through regular meetings, brainstorming sessions or suggestion boxes. Additionally, they can promote cross-functional collaboration. Individuals from different backgrounds and expertise could work together on projects. By valuing and respecting diverse perspectives, you create an environment that encourages innovation.
There are, of course, many other benefits from reading, but these were the top three that I felt needed your attention. You can gain varied knowledge on topics apart from your niche. You enhance your cognitive skills. As an entrepreneur, you need to be analytically inclined, and what better way than by reading? Every problem that your business is facing is likely also dealt with by someone else in the world. Their solutions can be found in books, and all you have to do is read and apply them accordingly. It takes a lot of reading to develop a habit. Set the time aside in your calendar if you have to. I am certain you will feel like a better leader a few months after you’ve started!
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here
