Theme 18: Leaders Need To Read And Write!

 I recently came across this powerful message and thought it was worth unpacking in the context of leadership.  

Reading and writing are important activities for everyone. For leaders, investing time to reflect through writing or reading topical information supports our personal and professional development. Unfortunately with all the other priorities, we juggle on a day to day basis, taking (or making) the time to do this can be a challenge but one that is definitely worth overcoming!
 
The benefits are obvious however worth highlighting. Professionally, keeping up to date with best practice, considering and reflecting on other leaders’ experiences or researching topics relevant to your workplace can stimulate and shape your own thinking and approach. Often scenarios you are dealing with are not new so understanding how others have managed them can be helpful. On the other side of the ledger, reading for personal stimulation and development and reflection is also important.
 
Writing is equally beneficial. For me, it is an activity that helps me clear my mind, prioritise and reflect. It doesn’t have to involve a lot of time but there is something therapeutic about the act of physically putting pen to paper.
 
To overcome the time barriers we all face, try scheduling time in your day or week to do these activities – it will be worth it. Recently I have started getting up an hour earlier each morning (based on recommendations from great leaders) and using this time to read and write while I am fresh and alert. While I was a principal I also used to block out an hour or two every week to either catch up on some professional reading or record reflective notes on my performance. 
 
Here are some suggestions on how you can weave these activities into everyday life:

• Read an inspiring leadership text
• Read leadership blog posts
• Read leadership articles on LinkedIn
• Record reflections on the previous days leaning 
• Set goals for the day
• Write down 10 things you are grateful for
• Record notes from a motivational podcast you have listened to
• Write your own leadership blog!

Regular professional reading and writing do decrease our sense of isolation as it provides an opportunity to communicate inwardly and outwardly. We have so much to learn from ourselves and others!

sean bailey managing director – company owner m +64 21 059 8305  e sean@empoweryounz.co.nz   christchurch new zealand  w empoweryounz.blogspot.com

“Helping organisations thrive, by enabling and empowering leaders”