THIS IS BS: All CEOs Are Readers
THIS IS BS is a thought/rant-piece series of my best (/poor) attempt to debunk some of the quotes being passed around that are either incorrect, misleading, or just plain bullshit.
I cringe everytime I hear or see this quote being passed around some CEOs, founders and business leaders' circles:
All CEOs Are Readers
Well, I think that's wrong.
Because I know a lot of great CEOs who are not readers, and they still do amazing things; more amazing than those that read ten times more than them!
Here's where that saying is wrong: We do not have the same learning preferences.
In fact, reading (visual) is just one of the ways we learn. There are four different ways we can process information, with no one better than the other. But if you force the wrong one on yourself, you ain't gonna learn that fast, and the process is not gonna be that enjoyable either.
So, if reading is not your thing, how else should you learn?
Well, some of us learn better with audio materials (Audio Learners) - podcast, audiobooks, radio interviews. Then, there are the Kinesthetic Learners, who need to get into action to internalise the lesson. Lastly, you have the Auditory Digitals, who need to have inner talks (self-talk, self-reflection, journalling) to fully appreciate the learning.
The problem of believing that All CEOs Are Readers means you are forcing yourself to read, when it may not even be your best mode of learning! Over time, you'll hate reading because you're a slow reader, and you can't seem to remember what you've read, meaning you'll feel it's a time waster. You may even lose the interest to learn anymore, because you felt you're not good at it.
And yet, when you see all your other CEO friends gloating about how many books they read, you will feel bad, and blame your slow progress due to your lack of interest in reading.
BTW, do check if those CEO friends are just buying books for their "show-off shelf". I've seen some books in the bosses' rooms which are newer than the ones at bookstores. :)
You wanna know what I think?
All leaders are learners.
Because then, even if you do not like to read, you are not shutting yourself from growth. Listening to great speeches on the way to work is learning. Craving some time in the evening to jot down your thoughts of the day is learning. Even having deep, philosophical conversations with a good friend is learning.
So throw out that BS of All CEOs Are Readers, and instead, adopt the believe that All Leaders Are Learners, because you are one.
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I'm no CEO but I learn faster by watching and then hands on
Visual + kinaesthetic, nice combo there!
I agree with you. CEOs only read when they have to, they rather engage other people and listens to their views. The best CEOs are the ones who listens and learn before they act.
Spot on, my friend. If only more "leaders" listen and act in accordance to the people. :)
Absolutely true. Leaders at work, home and heart. In fact, we now have a bigger emphasis on growth-mindset in elementary schools worldwide to build the awareness of growth in the essence of lifelong learning. These are the future leaders that we have! Glad to be a small part of it :)
Small? I think next generation teachers like you are playing a big part in creating an epic future! The education system needs such a big overhaul, frankly, for it's a system that hardly rewards leadership development. Unless the kid leads a gang in school, heck, that's leadership. :)
Couldn’t agree any lesser. =)
I’m the kinesthetic type of learner. Learn best hands-on. 👍🏼
Same here! We are the doing people.!
Application over theory anytime 💪🏽 You can read all you want but if there’s no learning curve or application, better stop pretending to read and do something actionable instead
But what if reading is all they know how to do?
I have the same opinion as you. All of my ex bosses doesn't read book, the only reading materials they read is the newspapers. But they do adopt an open mind system, they always listens to what other people's or their staff's views before deciding on something. Always improving themselves by learning from someone.
That's good to know. You've good exposure to good leaders who continue to grow.
Agreed and upvoted! Some of the best CEOs I known personally are illiterate. My observation is they are usually have a knack of reading people and situations more accurately than others.
The almighty power of observation! They are the ones who are most grounded, has lesser ego (coz ego clouds the senses and judgement), and best, they ask questions to seek clarification. Sometimes they may even ask the most obvious of questions, and yet, you can see the twinkle in their eyes when they caught the concept.
Almost like a child-like wonder. Sometimes, we just overthink things.
Fantastic piece...
Had lots of issues tryna read books like others...
But then audios, podcasts and getting my hands on what I needed to do... That solved it real quick...
I'm a slow reader too, so gotta try other methods to learn. :)
Awwww, such a beauty. The cat caught my attention to read this post. :D
CEO is just a title, similar to politicians with think-terror feel good powerful positions in cabinet given as a reward for their loyalty to the party than expertise in the field to move the nation forward. Hence the state our beloved country is in.
Leaders are made, not born. Leaders roll up their sleeves and bravely walked the talk and not merely talk. I doubt they even read. Read or not, action speaks louder than words.
Epic fail to the political CEOs of this nation.
Sorry bro, ranting, reading the BS spewed by so-called leaders and their minions in our country.
Cats are epic click baits!
Yeah, well, it's not the first time leaders disappointed us. Over time, we become immune and just mind our own lives.
One thing I told an America tourist when he asked about us living in Malaysia with all these scandals and issues. "Just live in Malaysia like a tourist, and you'll be a lot happier."