I came across this study that pointed out that 46% of Americans didn’t read a book last year. They may have started one, but they didn’t finish it. Here’s the chart where you can see where you land and what percentage of Americans read fewer books than you.
You may be wondering what this has to do with coaching. Well, I like to give clients a book to read during our engagement that applies to what we are working on. Most clients agree and do read the book, which adds to their ability through development.
In coaching, we seek to draw out answers to tough challenges from our client. However, it’s not always the case that they know the answer. There may be times when they need more skill and/or knowledge to improve their effectiveness as a leader. That’s where the right book can come in. The book does the training, we do the coaching.
The problem for me is if my client is in that 46% who didn’t read a book last year. This poses two potential problems.
- Are they interested in their own development? Books are certainly not the only resource for skill and knowledge development, but they are a well-established one.
- Are they open to feedback? When we read books on a topic, it may suggest that we are open to having our thoughts changed. Being open to feedback is similar. Coaching provides the coachee with feedback. Will they want their thoughts changed through coaching?
For the record, I am not going to turn down a client because they didn’t read a book last year. I’m very much a proponent of reading having learned so much over the years with my yearly average of 7 books. So, I’m biased in this area.
I can recall several times when clients did read the books I gave to them and credited those books with imparting valuable knowledge that caused them to rethink things and gain new insights and perspectives.
What are your thoughts about the value of reading books? Do you think it affects your clients in any way? Send me a message. I look forward to hearing different perspectives on this topic.
Also, for your own edification, here is a post featuring 10 Great Books on Executive and Leadership Coaching along with my recommended reading list for executive coaches.
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