You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

TOPICS: TRAINING & EDUCATION

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

Do you remember all those elementary school teachers who tried to get you to read books? I sure do! We had storytimes, we had book clubs, we had reading awards - but for me it didn’t click. I read only what I needed to pass classes and seldom read a book just for enjoyment. I did notice that many of my smartest classmates were avid readers, but I just never had much interest in books.

As it turns out, those teachers were right. Reading is one of the greatest skills you can develop, and it lasts a lifetime. About the time I entered the business world I realized that everyone I admired knew a lot more about a lot of things than I did. My first boss, a 23 year old Harvard MBA, advised me to begin reading five different business magazines in addition to the Wall Street Journal. This time I followed the advice I was given and began a reading career which continues to this day.

I had lots of excuses for not reading - short attention span, busy life, too many other options, etc. - but I brushed those aside and committed to a daily program of reading. To be honest, I do not enjoy the physical act of reading. For that reason, I choose not to read fiction in favor of non-fiction with a goal of increasing knowledge on a variety of topics. Some of my early objections to reading were later overcome by the availability of audiobooks which can be listened to while driving or exercising.

I am often asked for book recommendations. Although I have a few favorites, my primary recommendation is to read on a variety of topics, especially in areas where you have little knowledge.

The last five books I have read dealt with these diverse subjects: longevity, male depression, a football coach’s leadership secrets, the rise and fall of a crypto billionaire and personal philanthropy. Only one of these books covered a topic in my field of expertise. The book on longevity, which is a particular interest of mine, led me to the book on male depression which I found interesting, but not terribly useful. Regardless, I learned from each one and my understanding of the world is slightly greater as a result.

Thanks to the internet, information is more readily available than it has ever been.

Unfortunately, the opportunity created by the internet is also a curse. It is easier to find well-written garbage than it is to find useful information. My recommendation is to read more than one source on every subject and let your common sense suggest where the truth lies. Although I am a fiscal and social conservative, I make it a point to read articles and books written from a different perspective to improve my understanding of issues from every side. I believe that I am a better communicator when I understand why others see things differently than I do.

What does all of this have to do with leadership? Every book I have ever read has broadened my understanding of people and how they think. My primary job is to lead, motivate and influence people. The more I know about what drives people to do what they do and think like they think, the better leader I become.



Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room, it is about having the most insight and being able to use that insight to influence others. I cannot imagine a faster way to gain insight than to commit to a program of reading. I’m sorry that I didn’t pay attention in elementary school, but I’m sure glad I started when I did. If you haven’t started yet, put aside your excuses. You’ll be surprised by how much you learn in just a few months.