Are you gleaning the right lessons from your professional reading? Do you read military literature with an appropriate level of scrutiny? How do you know that an author is making assertions within the legitimate context of historical events? Maybe the more appropriate question is…“Are you reading at all?”
Today’s recommendation is an insightful post by fellow military leadership website host and talented writer, Army Major Joe Byerly. It’s a May 2014 article that also appeared in Small Wars Journal, entitled “Getting the Most Out of Professional Reading.”
Byerly challenges us to go beyond the block-check of professional reading and gives tips on how to engage with literature in a way that solidifies insight. He recommends:
- Approach military writing in the proper context of history
- Challenge authors to prevent confirmation bias
- Capture your thoughts and reactions for reference and lesson permanency
- Connect with other professionals on the topics (military blogs are a good place to start)
- Transmit your own thoughts and insights on professional topics, through discussion or even professional writing
You’ll also find some article and book recommendations in his post.
Questions for Leaders:
- Has professional education taken a back seat to professional execution?
- How much more talented would you (and your team) be if you could internalize one professional lesson per day through books?
- Is professional reading an individual’s responsibility or should leaders direct reading activity for their units?