How to read development books

 

 

So, you just pick up a book (assuming it is the right one), and read.

 

Well perhaps you can get a bit more out of your reading from these tips:-

 

1.Read lots – become someone who is an habitual reader (currently I am getting through one to two books a week).

 

2.Read quickly – don’t be worried about consciously understanding everything you read (as if you could anyway).

 

3.Read slowly – there are times when you need to slow down, focus, reflect and meditate on what you are reading.

 

4.Read widely – don’t just read books about your area of expertise.  My current themes are organisations, personal development, society, philosophy, psychology and theology.

 

5.Collect quotations – I have a spreadsheet (no surprise there) with nearly 1,000 quotations.  Here’s a good one I read this week:

 

 “The difference between successful people and very successful people is that very successful people say no to almost everything.”  Warren Buffett

 

6.Make notes/highlight – you may even want to produce extracts or precis the books you read. This helps embed the learning and can be something you can share with other people.

 

7.Talk about the books you have read – but make it a conversation with somebody who is interested in the book!  (Tip – next time you are talking to me, if you want to become my best friend just ask me about what books I’m currently reading).

 

8.Investigate the author/theme – a quick Google search could really enrich the learning you obtain from books you are reading.

 

9.Read wherever/whenever – take a break to read at lunchtime, read while you walk (just pick your time and place carefully if you don’t want to end up reading lying down), etc.

 

10.Start a book club – if you would like to know about my Book Extract Club, email me at jthove57@gmail.com

 

 

Keep on reading!