In our series on leadership attributes, we have previously looked at how leaders are learners. They demonstrate continuous and lifelong learning. A subset of continuous learning is reading. Leaders are readers.
In his book The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership that Matters, Albert Mohler writes that there is no substitute for effective reading when it comes to developing and maintaining the intelligence necessary to lead. Where I worked my entire career, continuous learning was emphasized – be it an insurance certification or an IT designation. Reading is always an important part of learning.
Even though I am now retired, I am still an avid reader. Actually, since I am retired, I have more time than ever to read. And as I read as a leader, I read primarily in four categories:
Leadership – Over the years, I have read a large number of books on the subject of leadership, many of which were written by John Maxwell. Probably my favorite book on leadership, and one I’ve used numerous times in mentoring relationships, is Maxwell’s classic The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. A revised and updated edition of the book was published in 2022.
Professional Growth – This is a broad category which can include areas such as communications, working out of our strengths, emotional intelligence, time management, teamwork, developing good relationships, and much more. A favorite book that I would recommend to you in this category is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.
Integrating Faith and Work – This is a category of special interest to me, and I’ve read many helpful books. Jordan Raynor (Called to Create, Master of One, The Sacredness of Secular Work), has written well on this subject. Specific books I would recommend are Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller and Katherine Alsdorf, Work Matters by Tom Nelson and Work by Dan Doriani.
The Bible – The Bible has much to say about leadership, from examples such as Joseph, Jesus, David and Moses, to the qualifications for a leader in the church in 1 Timothy 3:1-13. The Bible teaches that a leader serves, about the character and humility of a leader, and so much more.
These are the categories that I read from as a leader. What do you read as a leader?
This is an Adapted Excerpt From My Book “A LEADER WORTH FOLLOWING:
40 Key Leadership Attributes and Applications to Master”.
