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The President’s Pen
April 2012
Being part of various organizations (perhaps too many of them, judging by the number of meetings on my calendar) I have become acutely aware of the fact that genuine leaders- whether or not they have an official title- are always learners. Schools offer professional development opportunities on a regular basis for administrators, teachers, and para-professionals. Churches offer small group opportunities for learning. Many jobs requiring certifications provide reading lists and classes to assist people in keeping up with the latest innovations in their industry.
But who has time to read? Who has time to get away and attend a workshop or a series of classes over several days or weeks? Surprisingly all of us have the time to read and attend classes or workshops! The real question is this: How do we use the gift of time we
have been given?
I was blessed with parents who regularly took our family to the library. My dad and mom still have stacks of books besides their chairs. Even when I was growing up and my dad was gone one night a week in the Navy Reserves, two nights a week to college, and other
evenings for family activities, he always had time to read.
I am not a speed reader, though I am able to read quickly (and retain information) as a result of long years of practice. But that is not the point either. I make time to read. Sometimes I have to leave my office or turn off the television or drive to a park, but there are enough hours in the day to be a reader- even in 15 minute increments.
So, what are you reading right now that will impact how you perform your job? What are you reading now that is simply for pleasure? What are you reading that will help you develop your skills- either for hobbies or your professional development? If you have employees, do you encourage them to read trade magazines? Books relating to the field in which they work? We have a great library system in Douglas County, as well as some classy used book stores (think: Sandy’s Book Nook in Winston!) We have a couple of parks with nice places to get away from the store, the office, the television and read!
So, what are you reading?
As always I’d love to hear from you~
Steve Schenewerk
sschenewerk@gmail.com
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