Does Anyone Read Anymore?

Mark Hollis was the kind of entrepreneur who thrived on hustle. His mornings began at dawn, with rapid-fire emails and back-to-back Zoom calls. His afternoons were consumed by managing employees, solving crises, and pitching to clients. By nightfall, he would collapse into bed, exhausted but content, thinking he had done all he could for his company. But despite his relentless work ethic, his business seemed stuck in a rut—innovations stalled, employee morale dipped, and competitors began inching ahead.

One afternoon, while clearing his desk, Mark stumbled across an old book his mentor had gifted him years ago. The title, Good to Great, gleamed under a thin layer of dust. He opened the first page to find a note scribbled in his mentor’s bold handwriting: "Leadership requires learning. Keep reading." Mark smirked. Who has time to read anymore? he thought, tossing the book aside.

The Catalyst

That night, sleep eluded him. His mentor’s words echoed in his mind, and with a sigh, he retrieved the book from his desk. Flipping through the pages, Mark became absorbed in the lessons about leadership, strategy, and the importance of disciplined innovation. By the time he closed the book, it was 3 a.m., and for the first time in months, he felt a spark of clarity.

The next morning, Mark decided to experiment. He dedicated an hour each day to reading—books, industry reports, thought pieces—anything that broadened his perspective. Within weeks, he found himself quoting new ideas during meetings, solving problems with fresh approaches, and inspiring his team with concepts they’d never considered. His employees noticed the shift, and so did his clients. His company began to innovate again, and morale started to climb.

Lessons from History

Mark’s reading habit led him to biographies of leaders like Abraham Lincoln, who pored over books by candlelight despite the pressures of war, and Warren Buffett, who attributed much of his success to hours of daily reading. These stories grounded Mark in the realization that leadership is not about knowing everything but about constantly seeking knowledge.

Reading taught Mark humility—a reminder that others had faced challenges far greater than his and had triumphed through adaptability and insight. It also revealed the interconnectedness of ideas: a philosophy concept could inform business ethics; a novel about resilience could inspire strategies for overcoming adversity.

The Power of the Written Word

One day, Mark gathered his team and posed a question: “Does anyone read anymore?” The room was silent. He shared his story—how reading reignited his leadership—and challenged them to join him. Together, they created a company book club, exploring works on innovation, teamwork, and even fiction that sparked creative thinking. The discussions transformed their culture, fostering a community of curiosity and shared growth.

Reading became not just a personal habit for Mark but a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy. It sharpened his ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and anticipate future trends. Most importantly, it reminded him that leadership isn’t a destination but a journey fueled by continuous learning.

The Moral of the Story

In a world of tweets and soundbites, it’s easy to dismiss reading as an antiquated habit. But as Mark discovered, reading is an essential tool for leadership. It deepens understanding, fosters innovation, and connects us to the wisdom of those who came before us. Leaders who read are leaders who grow.

So, the next time you wonder, Does anyone read anymore? remember: those who do are the ones shaping the future.