Reading is the key to continuous learning, knowledge expansion and personal development.

One of the foundation skills that we are taught at school-going age is reading. And although reading becomes something we do without too much thought, ensuring that we are continuously consuming a vast array of concrete reading material can be the key to unlocking our potential. In 2024, the formats of reading have significantly changed and been modified to include more short-form, easily consumable articles (like this blog post that you are currently reading) and many new media styles. As students, we consume large volumes of information and readings along the way. Why then do we tend to stop or lessen the amount of knowledge that we consume, by reading less, once we enter the workforce?

In, For Those Who Want to Lead, Read by John Coleman for Harvard Business Review, it was found that “business people seem to be reading less — particularly material unrelated to business. But deep, broad reading habits are often a defining characteristic of our greatest leaders and can catalyse insight, innovation, empathy, and personal effectiveness. Reading has many benefits, but it is underappreciated as an essential component of leadership development.”

Here are six books that we suggest you read, re-read and keep on reading.

But don’t let a lack of time enter the chat as your biggest deterrent for reading. We suggest a few easy techniques to increase your reading speed and hopefully encourage you to read more.

• Skimming
  • Quickly scanning the text to get a general overview and to identify key points. This can be done by focusing on headings, chapters, and bold or italicised words. Skimming can be particularly useful for identifying the main ideas and determining whether the material is worth reading in more depth.
• Chunking
  • Chunking is a technique that involves breaking the text into smaller, more manageable sections and focusing on one section at a time. This can help you to process the information more efficiently and improve your overall comprehension. Chunking can be achieved by using headings, chapters, and sections that help to break the text into logical sections.
• Reading in Reverse
  • Reading in reverse is a technique that involves starting at the end of the material and working backwards towards the beginning. This can help you to identify the main points and overall structure of the material faster. Reading in reverse can be particularly useful for materials that have a clear structure or logical progression, as it allows you to see the end result before working through the steps.
• Visualising
  • Visualising is a technique that involves creating mental images or diagrams while reading, which can help you better understand and retain the information. This technique can be particularly useful for materials that contain complex or abstract concepts and can help you make connections between different parts of the material thereby enhancing your overall comprehension.

Reading is not just a leisure activity; it can be a strategic investment in your career development. Whether you're looking to advance in your current field or transition to a new industry, the habit of reading will provide you with valuable knowledge, skills, and mindset shifts needed to succeed. Make reading a regular part of your routine and allow it to transform your professional life.