The activity scheduled on the evening of Leadershape's day-three is among my favorite activities of the week.
That evening is host to a panel of accomplished leaders, each drawing on their own experiences to answer questions, share stories, talk about lessons learned, and deliver pearls of wisdom.
I love the panel discussion, because I always, always, always, walk away smarter than I was on day-two.
On that particular night I spent the evening listening to Rick Hart, the Athletic Director for University of Tennessee - Chattanooga - a job that most of us agree requires well honed leadership skills. He shared a story I loved and that I thought was worth repeating:
Rick is a third generation Athletic Director, which is to say he entered his profession with a Rolodex already filled with the names of prominent people in the world of college athletics. Early in his career, Rick ran into one of these men at the airport and, while waiting for their respective flights, the two men spent time talking shop.
A few days later, Rick received a book in the mail from older man. The gift was accompanied by a note insisting that Rick read the book and that he be ready to discuss it by phone two weeks later.
Rick was young and a little flippant and, while he admittedly skimmed the book ("sort of"), he in no way read it cover to cover. The man quickly figured out that Rick hadn't read the book and, after exchanging some pleasantries, the two hung up.
The next week Rick received another book in the mail, accompanied by another note from this man-turned-mentor. The second time Rick was sure to read the entire book. Consequently, the second phone meeting was rich with personal and professional insights from the older man.
I think there was a third book and a fourth book and maybe a fifth, sixth, and seventh.
What is most important is that, in the end, Rick credits this man for his (now) love of reading and his insatiable interest in devouring as many books a year as his busy schedule will allow. That is a legacy worth leaving behind.
Last week, on that third day of Leadershape, Rick planted his own seeds in the minds of everyone who was listening: Just ten minutes of reading a night adds up to an hour a week and, over the course of a year, is the difference between reading zero books or up to twelve books.
I can't think of a message for aspiring leaders that shines more.
I considered the idea of picking up where his former mentor left off and sending Rick a book he must read in the next few weeks. And if not that, how about a House of Shine summer Book Club? Do you have a suggested book title? Visit us in the Comment Section and share.
Shining off until tomorrow...