“Leaders Are Readers” - Harry Truman 33rd President of USA


Many Managers and Leaders seem to restrict their reading consumption to Business books and perhaps industry related materials... this, of course, will be very valuable.

However, when delivering Training courses for First Line Managers, Leaders & Directors, I find that there is usually a very positive reception when we recommend books that will augment their overall Leadership knowledge and skills.


Accessible History:

Accessible (and entertainingly enjoyable) History books about Leaders and major, influential, events are not usually considered by many Managers as a source for practical learning and strategic thinking, but I enjoy demonstrating how much they really are. Authors such as Yuval Noah Harari, Dan Jones; Mary Beard & Charles Spencer (and many others) produce so many excellent and thoroughly enlightening titles.


Relevant & Valuable Fiction

Some of the best quality fiction writers deliver a huge amount of valuable material for learning, plus they help expand a person's vocabulary and understanding. Anything by George Orwell or W Somerset Maugham, most of Robert Harris' & Ken Follett's books (again - among so many others) have, contained within them, great case studies & enlightening episodes that propels one's appetite for curiosity and discovery. These are ideal traits in a Leader.


Memoirs, Biographies & Autobiographies

There are far too many Memoirs, Biographies & Autobiographies to recommend that are available, but it is always worth checking out books written by quality people who can delver really revealing insights into Leadership challenges that show what can be achieved and why things fail. There is so much learning to be harvested from a very well written and 'honest' memoir. (The litmus test is to find a truly honest one!!) There is no political bias here when I can immediately recommend Rory Stewart's 'Politics on the Edge', which meets this criteria and is just such a great read.

The many key benefits include:

  • - Increased confidence
  • - Improved quality decision making
  • - Enhanced communication skills

Managers will have more case studies and points of reference to draw on and they usually become more curious with better developed EQ.


Why?

Because, by reading about scenarios and outcomes, both good & bad, a person discovers new ways, (that have probably been around for decades or even centuries) to explore how they will act, commit & engage much better within their own role.

Additionally, by reading a well-written and good quality book really helps Managers & Leaders to acclimatise to the rigour of concentration and absorbing details on more complex ideas & issues. This serves so many Leaders really well as they progress in their career trajectory.

We are very happy to offer a list of recommended reading books & materials (and certain podcasts too) to any of our course participants. They always find them so helpful and meaningful.

If you would like our list – please contact us at info@dicksontraining.com.