Reading is FUNdamental

Bob FranquizLeadership

One of the ways I train my staff is through giving them books to read. In nearly every staff meeting we have, the fist hour is spent either watching a DVD or discussing a book we are reading together. I know this is nothing new, but I decided to mix it up recently. I gave my staff totally different books to read and we are discussing the various books together. I’ve found that is a more beneficial way to train for a couple of reasons:

#1 – More Conversation – If we’re reading the same book, there’s only so many insights a single chapter can yield. As we discuss a chapter in a book only 1 of us is reading, it gives us plenty of opportunity to strike up conversation and ask questions about what someone else is reading.

#2 – More Focused Training – Different staff members have different strengths and different ministries to oversee. So I have tried to supply them with books that will shore up weaker areas but also strengthen them in their core ministry areas.

#3 – Individuality is Respected – My staff has responded better to the “personalized” books I have given them than when I bought everyone the same book. I believe they feel it shows what I see in them and that I am thinking of their development.

So what are they reading? Here’s what we’ve been reading and discussing recently:

The Likeability Factor by Tim Sanders
First Impressions by Mark Waltz
Refining Your Style by Dave Stone
How to Think Like Leonardo Di Vinci by Michael Gelb
Developing the Leaders Around You by John Maxwell
Simply Strategic Volunteers by Tim Stevens & Tony Morgan
7 Practices of Effective Ministry by Andy Stanley & Reggie Joiner
Seizing Your Divine Moment by Erwin McManus
The Emerging Church by Dan Kimball