Knowledge to Action

When was the last time you read a good book? Or rather, when was the last time you read a good book that was good for you? No, not a trash novel, or even one that is mildly entertaining. What is a good book? It is one that moves you one step closer to your objectives.

These books might be in the area of your professional expertise, or perhaps one that leads to a certification. They might be in an area where you have daily challenges, or in an area where you are looking for future career growth. They might be on subjects like natural science, history, or philosophy, in order to get you thinking in new directions. Or they might be on the process of career development. (Books such as Leaving the Mother Ship and Personal Balance Sheet come to mind!)

Reading good books help develop your intellectual strength, which benefits you both at your current job, and your future one. Reading also develops your intellectual flexibility, which will help you adapt to change, if that is what you are looking to do.

Whether it be in a job interview, a talk with your manager, or with friends or family, the insights that you pick up lend new perspective to the discussion. The insights also show that you are a person of depth.

This week's action item: Go to the bookstore or library, and look for a "good" book that appears interesting. If you're not sure where to start, look at the business best-sellers list, or ask your manager what they are reading. After you read the book, find an opportunity to share what you've learned with your workmates, and then convert your knowledge to action.

Make It Happen Tipsheet
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Copyright © 2007 Knowledge to Action Press and Randall Craig. All rights reserved.

Publication Date: March 27, 2007