Readable Solutions Highlights for October 2024

For most time-starved professionals, making time to read may seem like a daunting task. Social media notifications, incessant emails, and the ever-present lure of streaming services have created a cacophony of distractions that can easily derail our reading intentions. However, it's still possible to designate time and space for reading, even amidst all the digital noise. Here are several proven strategies to help you read more and focus better.

• SET CLEAR GOALS AND SCHEDULES: Decide on a specific number of pages or chapters to read each day, or allocate a set amount of time, such as 30 minutes before bed. By setting a routine, you make reading a non-negotiable part of your day, gradually building a habit that becomes easier to maintain over time.
• CREATE A READING SANCTUARY: Find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can read without interruptions. For inspiration, I set up a reading nook in the corner of my office, complete with a comfortable chair, a lamp for proper lighting, and a cozy blanket, all situated beside a bookshelf full of books I want to read. Turn off your phone, email notifications, and any other digital distractions that could pull you away from your book.
• LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE: While technology can be a source of distraction, it can also be a useful tool for reading. Consider using an e-reader or audiobook to make reading more accessible and convenient. Many e-readers have features that allow you to adjust font size and style, making reading more comfortable for your eyes.
• READ FOR PERSONAL OR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Choose books that align with your goals and interests. To learn methods that have helped others succeed, try The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, or to hone your leadership skills, perhaps check out Lead Boldly How to Coach Others to Greatness. Reading books like these will help you stay motivated and improve your knowledge and skills in your field.
• ENGAGE IN READING COMMUNITIES: Joining a book club – like Skillsoft’s OFF THE SHELF – or an online reading community with like-minded professionals is an excellent way to stay accountable and motivated to read. You'll also have the opportunity to discuss the book with others, ask thought-provoking questions, and gain new insights and perspectives. 

Reading in a world full of distractions is indeed challenging, but with intentional strategies and a mindful approach, it's entirely achievable and immeasurably rewarding. 

This newsletter features new releases and a roadmap for the next three months. It includes information about our monthly book club selections and bookshelves, occasional publisher updates, and other book-related news. As you browse through this month's new releases, I invite you to keep finding new ways to incorporate our Readable Solutions into your learning path.

Empathy and active listening are fundamental skills for fostering a collaborative and supportive corporate environment. By genuinely understanding and valuing the perspectives of colleagues, we can build stronger, more effective teams. Additionally, active listening ensures that all voices are heard, promoting inclusive decision-making and enhancing overall productivity. This month, OFF THE SHELF is featuring a bookshelf of resources to help you foster positive relationships with clients and colleagues, leading to improved communication, trust, and ultimately better business outcomes.
 

Cybersecurity awareness is critical for any organization to protect sensitive information and data from cyber threats. By educating employees about the potential risks of cyber attacks and the importance of following security protocols, companies can significantly reduce the likelihood of a breach. This month, OFF THE SHELF is featuring a bookshelf of resources to help you ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information.

Visit OFF THE SHELF today to leverage the discussion questions for any of these bookshelf selections.

Power and Prediction: The Disruptive Economics of Artificial Intelligence by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb | Gildan Media, © 2022

In their bestselling first book, Prediction Machines, eminent economists Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb explained the simple yet game-changing economics of AI. Now, in Power and Prediction, they go deeper, examining the most basic unit of analysis: the decision. The authors explain that the two key decision-making ingredients are prediction and judgment, and we perform both together in our minds, often without realizing it. The rise of AI is shifting prediction from humans to machines, relieving people from this cognitive load while increasing the speed and accuracy of decisions.

 

Power and Prediction is available on Percipio as an audiobook, book summary, and audio summary.