Hallway Consulting Group

Have you ever heard the phrase “leaders are readers”? We often find mentors, ideas, and solutions in the books we read. Reading fosters deeper thought, self-reflection, and insights we might not otherwise have had. Now, reading is great. But it’s the application of that learning that really matters. What do you do differently as a result of what you read and ponder?

My latest book is Greatness: The 16 Characteristics of True Champions by Don Yaeger. I’m just starting out, but his initial definitions from historical icons really struck me.

My favorites:
“There are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” – Roger Stauback
“Responsibility is the price of greatness.” – Winston Churchill
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
“Greatness consists in trying to be great. There is no other way.” – Albert Camus

Like I said before, reading is great. All leaders should do it on a regular basis. But the beauty comes in the self-reflection and action that takes place afterward. My ponder from my latest read? Greatness comes from consistency and effort. It seems that many people want to be great, or just want the accolades that go with it. But greatness takes time. It takes effort. Consistent effort. It reminds me of two great quotes from John Maxwell. “Everything worthwhile is uphill….” and “consistency compounds”. What does he mean by that and how does that tie to the quotes from the book? Being great doesn’t mean being perfect, but it does mean achieving more than you thought possible. It takes daily effort. No one starts out being great or perfect. We all have to work at it. And small actions every day add up. Whether that’s in learning a new technical skill, building a relationship, or being a better communicator. As Roger Stauback alludes, very few people want to do the work it takes. Those that do find themselves standing out and rising above the pack. I think that’s because it’s hard. But it’s the hard that makes it all worth it. Staying focused on the possibilities can make it easier. We have to try, maybe fail, and try again. It’s how we learn and grow.

Winston Churchill referred to the responsibility that comes with greatness. When we know better, we need to do better. That responsibility starts with ownership to ourselves and extends to our families, work teams and communities. It all comes back to action. We learn, we grow, we improve. And the cycle continues with each new revelation or insight.

What’s on your bookshelf? And what’s your latest great read? I’m looking to build my summer reading list and would love to hear from anyone willing to share.