By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Entrepreneurship
Leadership Contributor: Bob Dixon
Want to know the secret sauce of leadership legends from Caesar to Buffett? They were all bookworms.
Every year, I devour about 50 books – everything from dense business theory to philosophy to the occasional fiction romp (because even my imagination needs a workout). While binge-watching Netflix might feel good in the moment, it’s the mental calisthenics of reading that builds your leadership muscles.
Think of your brain as that neglected gym membership – it needs regular workouts. Reading isn’t just about absorbing information; it’s strength training for your mind. Studies show it enhances analytical thinking, builds empathy (essential for not being that boss everyone avoids), improves memory, reduces stress, boosts focus, and might even extend your life. Not bad for something you can do in your pajamas.
The leadership hall of fame is packed with voracious readers. Caesar, Churchill, Jefferson, and Lincoln weren’t just devouring scrolls and books for fun – they were building mental arsenals. Napoleon literally hauled a portable library around Europe while conquering it (talk about heavy reading).
Modern moguls are no different. Buffett reportedly spends 80% of his day reading. Gates takes biannual “think weeks” with nothing but books. These folks could spend their time doing literally anything, and they choose reading. Coincidence? I think not.
“But Bob,” you protest, “I don’t have time to read!” Hogwash. You have exactly the same 24 hours as everyone else. Try this: set aside just 1% of your day for reading. That’s 14 measly minutes. At that pace, the average reader will finish a 200-page book in two weeks – that’s 26 books a year by investing less time than it takes to watch the commercials in a football game.
So what’s stopping you? Your leadership journey is literally sitting on a shelf waiting for you to begin.
After somehow surviving Army life with fewer mishaps than he deserved, Bob stumbled into founding 5 Eagles Leadership, a leadership and business coaching company in Tampa. Turns out his true calling wasn’t barking orders but helping folks avoid the leadership mistakes he’s made (there’s a lifetime supply). Now he spends his days sharing leadership lessons he learned the hard way with business leaders who are wanting to grow their capabilities and their companies. You can contact him directly at bdixon@5eaglesleadership.com
