Connect with us

Success Advice

Leaders Are Readers: How Important Reading Books Is to Your Success

Published

on

reading a book

People who are born leaders have a few traits in common. Firstly, they’re naturally inquisitive, which leads them on a quest for knowledge. Leaders are hungry for knowledge thus they want to understand life, people, and reality.

Without knowledge, it’s hard to get far in life. Knowledge applied well becomes wisdom; this is also something leaders must have in abundance, if they are to be successful. One of the best sources of knowledge is books since they usually offer the most in-depth information on any given topic. Anyone who is inclined to immerse themselves in learning has at least one of the innate qualities it takes to be a leader.

Let’s take a look at the ways in which reading books influences leadership skills for the better:

1. Reading books expands our vocabularies

Your communication is only as good as your vocabulary, which is directly linked to your intelligence. Leaders must be at the very least articulate. How else could they manage to help others understand what needs to be done? A strong leader will be convincing, demonstrative and eloquent. Without a diverse vocabulary, this is less likely.

Books are one of the best educational tools, and not just because of the subjects they cover; the language itself is an opportunity to learn. When an inquisitive person sees a word they don’t understand – even in the context of the sentence – they will go and look it up. Due to this, leaders gain a richer perspective, be truly expressive, and have many ways to convey their understanding.

2. Reading books means picking smart brains

One of the best ways to get inside the heads of those you admire is to read their book. If you wanted to learn about building business empires, you might choose the autobiography of Richard Branson. Autobiographies are great for getting a glimpse into the mentalities of other leaders.

Then there are the books that impart the exact knowledge you need. The chances are that what you’ll find inside such books will be the best of what’s in your would-be mentor’s head. After all, they’re showcasing what they know. You’re getting what they consider to be the most important information on the subject of interest.

Although you can’t spend physical time with these people, picking up their book is the next best thing. On at least some levels, you’re getting to know them, what worked for them, and how they think.

“No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting.” – Lady M. W. Montagu

3. Reading books can be inspiring

When you’re just starting out on your path to leadership, you may see a hazy road ahead. It’s easy to feel insecure, or to view challenges as insurmountable. When this happens, it helps to remember that most leaders have felt this way at some point.

No doubt such feelings will have been at their most acute in the early days. The reason the book you’re looking at even exists is because these people overcame such obstacles. Delving into their success stories is a very helpful way to boost your confidence and spark a few of your own ideas.

Biographies are some of the best books if you’re looking to be inspired. As they are written by a third party, you’ll usually get the full, unbiased lowdown on your chosen person and their path to the success you also seek.

4. Reading books gives us perspective on reality

You won’t receive the best value (in terms of knowledge) from any one book since no one person has all of the answers. The more books you read, the wider your perspective will become, and the more possibilities will become apparent.

What becomes even more apparent from reading books is that success of any kind takes time and effort. The experiences, research and subsequent presentation within that book were probably a long process with some degree of trial and error.

Your authors will have been through a lot to bring you their knowledge, so it stands to reason that you may have to do similar. Knowing this helps to develop realistic goals, strategies and timelines. The books you choose give you access to many different experiences, perspectives and routes to success. You can map out your own path by emulating the aspects you prefer from each.

“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” – Rene Descartes

5. Reading books give us a much-needed break

On the path to leadership success, it is easy to become fixated. It is natural to be focused on the goals and productive to keep this focus. However, there are times when we just need time out to relax, process and reflect upon what’s happening in our lives.

Reading a good book is a great way to do this. It doesn’t matter whether that’s a fiction book or a self-help book, but ideally it won’t be the kind of book mentioned above. Disengaging from time to time has lots of benefits, such as improved mental clarity, rest and recuperation. This leads to clearer focus and fresh perspectives.

The most important thing is that you take time out from busy schedules to get a mental breather from goal chasing. This can have some surprising benefits. Consider how an inventor often gets his or her best ideas when not focusing on the issue. When the conscious mind has a chance to relax, the subconscious goes to work and brings through ideas the conscious mind was previously blocking.

6. Reading books help us to become experts in our niche

Reading books naturally increases your knowledge, so when you focus on one particular subject, you’re bound to develop some level of expertise. You’re probably doing this precisely because your personal experience is limited, anyway.

By gaining the knowledge and second-hand experiences of others who know the subject better than you do, you’re armed with fresh information and understanding. This naturally lends power to your leadership abilities.

There is no real substitute for direct experience, but the books you’re reading are likely to pave the way for you to go out and get that experience with confidence and vigour. You’ll also be better equipped to deal with challenges that come up, now that you’ve acquired such valuable knowledge!

One of the best things you can do for yourself is carry an Amazon Kindle wherever you go. You don’t know when you’ll have a chance to choose the perfect material from your digital library. The same goes for getting an Audible account. The best leaders prioritise learning whenever they get a spare moment, and having a diverse library of information at your fingertips makes this possible.

What was the last book you read? Let us know in the comments below!

Advertisement
2 Comments

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Success Advice

Why One-Size-Fits-All Leadership Will Always Fail (and What Works Instead)

The surprising truth about leadership styles that can make or break your team’s success.

Published

on

Why one-size-fits-all leadership doesn’t work
Image Credit: Midjourney

Leadership has always been as much about people as it is about performance. Ken Blanchard, in his influential book, “The One Minute Manager”, put it simply: different strokes for different folks. (more…)

Continue Reading

Success Advice

What Every New CEO Must Do in Their First 100 Days (or Risk Failure)

Your first 100 days as CEO could define your entire legacy, here’s how to make every move count

Published

on

leadership tips for new CEO
Image Credit: Midjourney

When Tim Cook took over from Steve Jobs at Apple, the world watched with bated breath. Jobs wasn’t just a CEO; he was a visionary, an icon, and a legend of innovative leadership. (more…)

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs

The Leadership Shift Every Company Needs in 2025

Struggling to keep your team engaged? Here’s how leaders can turn frustrated employees into loyal advocates.

Published

on

Bridging the gap between employees and employers
Image Credit: Midjourney

In workplaces around the world, there’s a growing gap between employers and employees and between superiors and their teams. It’s a common refrain: “People don’t leave companies, they leave bad bosses.”

While there are, of course, cases where management could do better, this isn’t just a “bad boss” problem. The relationship between leaders and employees is complex. Instead of assigning blame, we should explore practical solutions to build stronger, healthier workplaces where everyone thrives.

Why This Gap Exists

Every workplace needs someone to guide, supervise, and provide feedback. That’s essential for productivity and performance. But because there are usually far more employees than managers, dissatisfaction, fair or not, spreads quickly.

What if, instead of focusing on blame, we focused on building trust, empathy, and communication? This is where modern leadership and human-centered management can make a difference.

Tools and Techniques to Bridge the Gap

Here are proven strategies leaders and employees can use to foster stronger relationships and create a workplace where people actually want to stay.

1. Practice Mutual Empathy

Both managers and employees need to recognize they are ultimately on the same team. Leaders have to balance people and performance, and often face intense pressure to hit targets. Employees who understand this reality are more likely to cooperate and problem-solve collaboratively.

2. Maintain Professional Boundaries

Superiors should separate personal issues from professional decision-making. Consistency, fairness, and integrity build trust, and trust is the foundation of a motivated team.

3. Follow the Golden Rule

Treat people how you would like to be treated. This simple principle encourages compassion and respect, two qualities every effective leader must demonstrate.

4. Avoid Micromanagement

Micromanaging stifles creativity and damages morale. Great leaders see themselves as partners, not just bosses, and treat their teams as collaborators working toward a shared goal.

5. Empower Employees to Grow

Empowerment means giving employees responsibility that matches their capacity, and then trusting them to deliver. Encourage them to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and problem-solve independently. If something goes wrong, turn it into a learning opportunity, not a reprimand.

6. Communicate in All Directions

Communication shouldn’t just be top-down. Invite feedback, create open channels for suggestions, and genuinely listen to what your people have to say. Healthy upward communication closes gaps before they become conflicts.

7. Overcome Insecurities

Many leaders secretly fear being outshone by younger, more tech-savvy employees. Instead of resisting, embrace the chance to learn from them. Humility earns respect and helps the team innovate faster.

8. Invest in Coaching and Mentorship

True leaders grow other leaders. Provide mentorship, career guidance, and stretch opportunities so employees can develop new skills. Leadership is learned through experience, but guided experience is even more powerful.

9. Eliminate Favoritism

Avoid cliques and office politics. Decisions should be based on facts and fairness, not gossip. Objective, transparent decision-making builds credibility.

10. Recognize Efforts Promptly

Recognition often matters more than rewards. Publicly appreciate employees’ contributions and do so consistently and fairly. A timely “thank you” can be more motivating than a quarterly bonus.

11. Conduct Thoughtful Exit Interviews

When employees leave, treat it as an opportunity to learn. Keep interviews confidential and use the insights to improve management practices and culture.

12. Provide Leadership Development

Train managers to lead, not just supervise. Leadership development programs help shift mindsets from “command and control” to “coach and empower.” This transformation has a direct impact on morale and retention.

13. Adopt Soft Leadership Principles

Today’s workforce, largely millennials and Gen Z, value collaboration over hierarchy. Soft leadership focuses on partnership, mutual respect, and shared purpose, rather than rigid top-down control.

The Bigger Picture: HR’s Role

Mercer’s global research highlights five key priorities for organizations:

  • Build diverse talent pipelines

  • Embrace flexible work models

  • Design compelling career paths

  • Simplify HR processes

  • Redefine the value HR brings

The challenge? Employers and employees often view these priorities differently. Bridging that perception gap is just as important as bridging the relational gap between leaders and staff.

Treat Employees Like Associates, Not Just Staff

When you treat employees like partners, they bring their best selves to work. HR leaders must develop strategies to keep talent engaged, empowered, and prepared for the future.

Organizational success starts with people, always. Build the relationship with your team first, and the results will follow.

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurs

What Makes an Entrepreneurial Leader? Traits of the World’s Best Innovators

Inside the mindset of entrepreneurial leaders who transform risk, passion, and vision into world-changing results.

Published

on

entrepreneurial leadership skills and traits
Image Credit: Midjourney

When you think of Richard Branson (Virgin Group), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Steve Jobs (Apple), Rupert Murdoch (News Corporation), and Ted Turner (CNN), one thing becomes clear: they are not just entrepreneurs, they are entrepreneurial leaders. (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending