How do you choose the best consulting books and podcasts for your leadership development goals?

Without a clear objective in mind, it's easy to get lost in the sea of opinion, content and data available. I would suggest that individuals start by identifying their specific leadership development goals. Once these are defined, it becomes easier to narrow down the search & focus on resources that align with your objectives. Whether it's through books, podcasts, or other mediums, being intentional about what you consume can lead to greater success in achieving your leadership potential. Tip: Consider the ratio of 70% creation 30% consumption. If your ratio is overly weighted towards consumption you’ll limit your speed of progression. Has this been useful? ??♂?

For me the best consulting books or podcasts are not necessarily the best selling ones but one that fulfils me needs at a point in time. The book should speak to my local context because for many of us in emerging markets, the dynamics are different such that if the book or podcasts is not tailored, it doesn't matter how popular it's.

I personally don’t go by credit but by the value and merit of the content. It helps me find new content and not limit myself with what’s popular. Always evaluate each content to determine its value to you. Often I find gold nuggets and gems of ideas and perspectives from the most unusual places and people. Here it’s also important to understand what is being said and then to appropriately apply it to your own unique situation. This helps you tailor responses rather that lifting them from one situation to another. In my experience that rarely works.

In my experience diversity in thought and ideas is king. Seeking a breath of perspectives helps you to navigate and determine various styles of leadership with an understanding that, leadership is contextual. Therefore application of leadership styles and techniques is what really sets the leadership demonstrated apart. Having a array of skills also helps us experiment and choose the right combination of leadership attributes that suit us as individuals and are unique to our style of leadership. Viewing leadership as a inherent practiced character trait helps us be a leader irrespective of the external situation and helps you work towards the best outcome in both individual and team situations.

It is so important to listen to diverse perspectives. It will take you outside of your bubble, and may introduce you to blind spots that you were never aware that you had. I seek diversity of backgrounds via in all aspects, including culture, race, profession, gender, and age. There is so much that we can gain from learning from one another. I love to ask people what they are watching, listening to, and reading.

Definitely enjoy the process and apply it continually in work and life. Give your self room to grow and make mistakes, practice on yourself in individual and group setting to hone your craft. Remember the process will be uncomfortable at times as it involves changing mindset and therefore behavior. Be persistent and learn to enjoy the discomfort too. That’s where your personal growth is. I personally believe in trying things I might not agree with or don’t personally like too. You can this disregard them experientially. The important thing is to continually keep growing your repertoire of skills and competencies whether it be in the area of leadership or something else.