At Leadership Beyond Titles, we read books. I truly believe that this is the first step to recognizing and acknowledging a leader. It was Roald Dahl who said, “If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.”

We want to go places. 

This was my first intentional step into growing in leadership. In April of 2021, I grew this insatiable desire to learn about leadership. I had the opportunity to attend a virtual conference where John Maxwell spoke, and said to myself, “I want to move people like he does. I want to lead people like he does. I want to add value to people like he does.” Aside from moving my family all the way across the country and applying for a job with his company, I thought, the best way to move towards this goal was to read his books. So I did. I picked up book after book after book by him. A surprising thing happened, I learned that John Maxwell read books, too. So I starting reading the books that he reads, and was introduced to some of his most dear friends and mentors. It was through books that I have met some of the most wonderful and intelligent people in the world. I hope I get to meet them in person some day.

“If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books.”

Roald Dahl

Very few people would argue with you that reading is important. We can take a look through the annals of history and learn that when literacy grew, society was all the better for it. When people couldn’t read, manipulation ran rampant. It could be argued that every great move of man came from people who read. Progress comes through reading.

“It was through books that I have met some of the most wonderful and intelligent people in the world. I hope I get to meet them in person some day.”

So, I encourage you. Pick up a book.

You might say, but Danny, I don’t like reading books. J.K. Rowling would reply, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” And John Steinbeck, one great author of the 20th century said this, “I guess there are never enough books.” Millions of books are written and released every year by authors all over the world. There are genres of all sorts to suit your fancy and pique your interest. You only need to discover them. So I encourage you, it’s okay, it means you haven’t found the right genre, book, author yet. Keep looking. It’s worth it—you’re worth it.

You might be surprised that you grow in your self awareness by picking up a book.

I love reading non-fiction books. I love reading books about history. I love reading books written by authors from a 100 years ago, books on Christian-living, finance, and leadership. And this year, I’ve worked to make sure I’m picking up some earlier fiction such as Robinson Crusoe, A Tale of Two Cities, and other classic works. Currently, I’m reading Leadership in Turbulent Times, by Doris Kearns Lima—recommended by John Maxwell. Intellectual books that stretch my mind have helped me grow in my own personal leadership—leading my family, myself, and my work. 

“Millions of books are written and released every year by authors all over the world. There are genres of all sorts to suit your fancy and pique your interest. You only need to discover them.”

So as you are on your own leadership journey, or just getting started, I encourage you, start today. Pick a book. Start with the one the bookshelf on your house. We all have that stack of books that we’ll get to one day. Make today—make the next 10 minutes—your one day. 

If you need a recommendation, keep checking here. I have a goal of reading 52 books this year and I’m currently on book number 31. I’m sure you’ll enjoy one of these many titles, too.

Are you reading a book currently? Drop it in the comments below. 👇