Recently, I was attending a presentation by instructor from a respected state organization. As I listened to this presentation, it was apparent that he was presenting outdated material and data. At the break, I questioned him on the accuracy of his data. He listened contently and agreed it was outdated. His next response was the one that rattled me. He is an instructor and reads what the lesson plan states. I mentioned a recent publication which would help him with his topic. At that moment he told me, ‘I don’t read books’. I took a moment to explain that good instructors and good leaders as well, should take time to read off duty to sharpen their mind. He told me that if he is not paid to read, he wouldn’t and that was the end of the story.
This is reminiscent of another story. Years ago when I was a director of training, the deputy chief walked by my staffs’ offices. They were reading and performing research for a new program. I was later questioned by this major, ‘why I let my people read on duty time, shouldn’t they be working?’ I explained that their administrative time was to stay abreast with evolving law enforcement training issues. Trainers need to be departments’ subject matter experts as they are the resource for the officers. The Major still did not understand so l let it drop. I told my staff to close their doors when reading, quieter and less distractions, it worked.
There are countless stories of when great leaders have encouraged their staff members to read, often handing them recommended reading lists. To whit this reminds of General James N. Mattis (USMC-Ret) and his zest for reading and his vast personal library. His recommended reading lists to staff are renowned. Another great leader who an avid reader was General George Smith Patton Jr. This historian carried his library is well with him wherever he traveled.
I might be a traditionalist where I like to sit and read a book, to be honest I just like the feel of the paper. I understand that many today will listen to audiobooks or download to read on an electronic device. Matters not the format but are you sharpening your edge is the question. From my perspective, future leaders need to read for several reasons. First and foremost, to expand your knowledge base of issues and trends that you will face. The historical base will also allow you to fully understand history and hopefully not relive it. Upcoming leaders cannot wait to attend a finishing or command school to punch their ticket to promotion or career changes. The school of mistakes does not look good on a resume. One needs to invest personal time into self-improvement and ‘sharpening their mind’. I remind my students that in my experience readers expand their vocabulary, improve their writing skills and vastly improve their decision processes. If you are before a promotional process or a chief’s process, be prepared for the non-law enforcement panelist to seek your insights on issues and weigh your thought process. New issues and data will aid and strengthen your responses.
What to read? It is not what you read, but rather that you read. For me, it is my escape from the stress of the world. Maybe I will never make it to a certain foreign country but I can enjoy reading about it through a writer’s eyes and adventures. What do I read? It varies from time to time. Some of my favorites I reread because I simply enjoy them. No, I do recommend any author, from time to time all have written a dud. So, to say this is entertainment -maybe; more a lifestyle for me.
As a leader, it is important to read about other historical figures and how they approached overwhelming adversity. Seeing their processes may enlighten your future decisions. The newest trends in business and management may afford you insights for your agency’s future planning and development. Any edge I can gain on interpersonal skills (people skills) is a plus any time. One thing that has been very beneficial for me is colleagues mini-book club. Several professional trainers, supervisors and assorted folks often exchange reviews via email or social media. Most of us have all published book reviews in the past. Due to our varied backgrounds, we can glean the worth of it from them for our needs. Sometimes, it is no more than what we are currently reading. Often, only picture of the front of the book and a paragraph or mini-book review.
Have I convinced you yet to dust off that book you considered a few months ago? I earnestly hope so, for the future is going to be demanding. We need to be more mentally sharp than ever today. We also need to destress and find some outlets from the world. No, I do not have a personal reading list complied as of yet, maybe my next project. If you are pondering where to start with a leadership list, The Leader’s Bookshelf by James G. Stavridis and R. Manning Ancell is great starting point, I highly recommend it. Gives you an overview and great recommendations from other great men and women. This is where you will start and hopefully soon you will have your reading list. Read on, the future needs you.
