In those years of working at the university library, I developed this sheer necessity to read books whenever or wherever I can. Being with books allowed me to explore places and wonders or even discover hidden knowledge that are just within the walls of the library.
After graduating from the uni and getting a full-time job, I promised myself to buy at least one book a month. Had I been so religious, I would have accumulated books twice more than what I have now. But I think I can partly blame my economic status and the unaffordability of books. And wait, why are books so pricey in my country?
Looking back, I remembered this certain story from one librarian. She was invited to an international conference in Hawaii for educators and school administrators. During breaks, she noticed some participants staying at a corner and reading books. She also met somebody who would carry one book in his bag all the time.
That story made her conclude two things. First, busyness is not an excuse not to read books. We all have time to spare. And second, leaders are honed through experience and knowledge. And without a doubt, knowledge can be acquired by reading, particularly through books.
There is a quote attributed to a prominent writer, Margaret Fuller which goes;
“Today
a reader, tomorrow a leader.”
What are you reading now?
During the Philippine national elections this year, two candidates for presidency were asked to share their favorite book. One candidate chose the classic novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. I actually got a copy of this book as a Christmas gift from a friend six years ago.
Meanwhile, the other candidate chose “The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli. Although I haven’t read the book yet, but I have a bit of an idea of what the content is and I will never forget Machiavelli in my history class. There is no way we can compare both. I mean starting from the genre to the way the books were written.
They do! Books that you have read and you are reading now will affect your decision-making process in the course of time. Learning different perspectives can make yours balanced or holistic. People can also tell whether you are a reader through the words you speak and the depth of your understanding.
Well, the candidate who read Machiavelli won the elections.
What am I reading now?
My recent book haul is “Nice girls still don’t get the corner office" by Lois Frankel, PhD. The book is a list of over 130 mistakes "nice girls" make that can hinder or sabotage them from getting a promotion or climbing that corporate ladder. The author who is a business coach herself mentioned coaching tips and book recommendations at the end of each section.
Here's one mistake that I find so relatable,
Mistake 24 Polling Before Making a Decision
It says that most women in leadership think that participative decision making is essential for company or organization growth. It allows employees or even supervisors to be involved in where the company is headed to. However, in cases when the company needs an urgent decision, such style is not suitable. Men on the other hand are quick thinker. Men are more dependable when it comes to making abrupt decisions.
Dr. Frankel said that the ideal thing to do is to act interdependently. Recognize when to seek input and when to have confidence with your decisions.
Going back, why did I buy the book? Do I want to get that corner office? Well yes, as long as we are in this common understanding that I don’t mean literally. I desire to progress in my career. Let me be candid about it, I want to be a leader but I am an educator. I mean, in the area of education, becoming a manager or a leader would take time. And I cannot wait to get old before I become a leader.
My desire is to train the next generation and bring about future leaders of the society. And I don’t need the position to do so. My dream is to lead a movement where Gen Zs and beyond are perceived not as the woke generation but well-informed individuals who are active contributors in community building. Needless to say, I am not gaining knowledge for myself but for the sphere of influence that I have, my students.
“There
are noble books but one wants the breath of life sometimes”
- Margaret Fuller
Which book do you suggest I read next? 😉
SOURCES:
https://philstarlife.com/news-and-views/260550-machiavelli-mockingbird-explained?page=3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_Kill_a_Mockingbird#Southern_life_and_racial_injustice
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