Harry S. Truman said, “Not All Readers Are Leaders, But All Leaders Are Readers”. Have you wondered why?
All the leaders have a few common habits, reading being one such habit. What is in reading that all the leaders invariably do it consistently for their growth. Here are some reasons.
Vicarious learning - Leaders are always learning, always striving to build their expertise in areas known and unknown. What if they have to learn everything, experience and optimize for themselves? Rather than this, they learn from others experiences through books.
Inspiration - Leaders are inspiration to many but they too seek inspiration from other high achievers. By reading books/literature from them, they brush off their positivity and high vibrations to themselves. Even when you can't really meet them, you can connect and relate to their ideas, thinking through reading.
Imagination - Leaders are problem solvers too. They face new challenges and need new ways to tackle them. When they read Books, they come across situations not imagined otherwise. Reading challenges your thoughts and ideologies. It forces you to think both creatively and logically, generating new ideas.
Escape from work- When thinking about reading for leaders we normally think about non-fiction, such as leadership principles, self-improvement, biographies, etc. But leaders read fiction too. It helps you mentally disengage from the circumstances, which facilitates rest and recovery. It generates renewed energy and focus.
Elevates current situation - Simple things even though high impact are generally lost in our daily grind. Reading acts as a reminder. It is like meditation, it can calm you down, it can take you places and elevate your frequency immediately.
Lets see some of our favorite leaders and their thoughts on books. Since Cricket and IPL are in season, have purposefully chosen cricketers, rather than business leaders.
Sachin Tendulkar says - "And now, I love reading books more than anything else. A habit I live by and have reinforced my entire life around reading a book a week. And my most favorite book is: The Secret. My greatest strength: My love for reading books, life on internet, affection and blessings of my parents and friends. Currently I’m reading this book: Quite."
Virat Kohli's life changed after reading 'An autobiography of a yogi' He said - "I love this book. A must read for all those who are brave enough to let their thoughts and ideologies be challenged. The understanding and implementation of the knowledge in this book will change your whole perspective and life. Believe in the divine and keep marching on doing good deeds #onelove #begrateful #helponeanother."
Since childhood, Dhoni would read books on war, strategy and combat. This helped him develop a range of mental models, which enable him to keep a flexible mindset.
If you want to be a leader, you must be a reader!
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