Get Better Faster
Personal and professional growth are not spectator sports. Reading another “get ahead" book or another online post (including this one - which is the main reason for keeping these short) - is the slow path to growth. Why is this so? Several reasons:
It facilitates procrastination. “This is a great book. I just need to finish it and then I’ll be ready.”
It can result in trying too many changes at the same time. “All of these approaches seem to be related. I’m sure I can save time and try out a few simultaneously.”
It makes us lose sight of our purpose. “I can defer focusing on my family life for just a bit. It’s not permanent.”
It diverts us from our personal strengths. “Well, I lose all my energy when I do X, but Mister Smarty Pants says the most effective people do X. I’m sure I will learn to love it over time.”
So what’s the alternative? Do the thing you want to be good at! Practice, fail, assess, adjust, practice, fail, assess, adjust. It doesn’t matter if it’s leading a team, listening better or having honest conversations. Keep at it and keep improving.
Books and online posts can be helpful if consumed in moderation and evaluated based on your objectives. But they can also slow you down or move you toward someone else’s goals. I don’t believe that’s what you had in mind, is it?