Reading books is both having a moment and on a serious decline—depending on who you ask. But for me, book reading has always been a trend and one that I heavily encourage my employees and my colleagues to double down on. This has never been more important than in today’s attention-scarce economy.
According to the American Psychological Association, multitasking reduces productivity by 40% and can lower IQ by as much as 15 points during cognitive tasks. A 2023 Economist Impact study working with Dropbox found that in the U.S., lost focus due to workplace distractions results in about $468 billion in annual productivity losses among knowledge workers. But regular reading trains the brain to concentrate for longer periods, which helps improve attention span. This skill translates to better task focus at work, higher productivity, more engaged experiences, and perhaps even more importantly, increased knowledge capacity.
Reading: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Excellence
For entrepreneurs and leaders, the ability to focus is not only a soft skill—it’s a competitive advantage. Regular reading enhances attention span and improves decision-making. Books equip readers with the ability to simulate complex scenarios, evaluate long-term outcomes, and think critically about the challenges they face.
When leaders read widely, they tap into lessons from history, glean insights from different industries, and develop empathy by stepping into the shoes of others. Fiction, for example, is often overlooked as a tool for leadership development. Yet studies show it improves emotional intelligence—a skill as crucial in the boardroom as it is in day-to-day management (Oatley, K., 2016). From business classics like “Good to Great” to speculative fiction that imagines future worlds, diverse reading material helps leaders adapt to change and think creatively about solutions in evolving industries, such as insurance, construction, and beyond.
The Value of Diverse Perspectives
In industries you might not expect—like insurance and construction—success increasingly depends on adapting to rapid technological and environmental changes. Reading about subjects outside your immediate expertise can spark innovation. Leverage books and reading to gain insights and then synthesize these solutions for your life and work by learning how others have handled similar problems. For instance, understanding principles of sustainability from environmental science books could inspire new strategies for construction project management. Meanwhile, biographies of entrepreneurs who built empires in unrelated fields can shed light on universal principles of leadership and resilience. And, if you think things are hard in your business, here’s a great book to change your mind: read Only the Paranoid Survive by Andy Grove.
Practical Strategies for Busy Professionals
Finding time to read can be a challenge, but I make sure to prioritize reading above other forms of entertainment, and I have a routine. For around an hour every morning, very early before I get to work, I read. It’s how I can retain information before getting distracted and engaging in the triage of the workplace. I also read on planes—less so now because I’m usually catching up on the business and reacting to events. But I also burn through pages on vacation and weekends. And I think it’s pivotal to do actual pages—not audiobooks—as it helps with my retention.
Here are practical strategies to integrate reading into even the busiest schedule:
- Start Small: Dedicate just 20 minutes a day. Even brief, consistent reading adds up over time.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on books that challenge and enrich you rather than chasing arbitrary goals like reading a set number of books per year.
- Curate Thoughtfully: Build a reading list that covers numerous subject matter areas and look to the classics. Old classics like Dickens, Dostoevsky, and Tacitus. They’ve become classics for a reason.
- Leverage Technology: Use apps, websites, and algorithm-based recommendation engines to find new books on topics you might not know that much about.
And if you are looking for some ideas, here are a few books that I have read recently, and think are of value to today’s leaders.
- Once an Eagle, Anton Myrer: A compelling narrative about leadership, integrity, and moral dilemmas, this novel contrasts two types of leaders—Sam Damon, who embodies selfless duty and honor, and Courtney Massengale, who rises through manipulation and power plays. Spanning global conflicts from World War I to Vietnam, it highlights timeless lessons on ethical leadership.
- Material World, Ed Conway: This book celebrates the intricate human ingenuity and global networks behind the transformation of raw materials into the marvels of modern life. It offers a unique perspective on civilization’s progress from the ground up, emphasizing interconnectedness and the often-overlooked foundations of our material world.
- Chip War, Chris Miller: An essential read on the geopolitical and economic significance of semiconductors, Miller outlines how the U.S. leveraged chips for global dominance, while warning of rising tensions as China races to close the technological gap. It’s a crucial exploration of innovation, competition, and the strategic importance of technology in shaping the future.
- The Imagination Emporium, Duncan Wardle: A practical guide to fostering creativity and innovation in business, this book equips readers with tools to harness their innate creative skills. Drawing from his experience at Disney, Wardle underscores the growing importance of human-centric skills like curiosity, empathy, and imagination in an era increasingly dominated by AI.
Investing in the Future, One Book at a Time
In a world where attention is a finite resource, reading remains an invaluable investment. For entrepreneurs, it’s a tool for sharpening focus, enhancing decision-making, and embracing diverse perspectives. As we navigate an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, doubling down on reading is not just a personal habit; it’s a professional imperative.
Piers Dormeyer is the CEO of EagleView, a company that provides aerial imagery and data analytics. He previously served as the president of EagleView’s Commercial Group. Dormeyer has been with EagleView for over a decade and is known for his focus on leveraging technology to help industries improve operations, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions.
Photo courtesy Kateryna Hliznitsova for Unsplash+.