#40 Don’t Let Your Books Die on the Shelf: Building a Reflection System for Leaders
Welcome to the 3x5 leadership podcast―a show dedicated to making more intentional leaders regardless of role, rank, or responsibility because we believe that better leaders and build a better world. The reality is, however, that you cannot successfully and sustainably pour into others from an empty cup. So, how do you keep your cup full as a leader? This show aims to help by filling your cup with simple, practical strategies so you can live, lead, and learn more intentionally.
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A proactive leader isn’t just invested in the growth of their team—they’re also committed to their own personal development through continuous reading and learning. If you consider yourself a “lifelong learner,” you probably have a list of books you can easily recall and recommend, or at least keep written in a notebook somewhere. But here’s the question: how many of those books have truly had a profound impact on your leadership and life?
In this episode, we’ll focus on the self-improvement you’re already pursuing through reading—and show you how to make that learning more impactful, memorable, and relevant across all areas of your leadership.
We’ll introduce a system of five steps to help you get more out of your reading, learning, and reflection. This system is neither quick nor convenient, but it’s incredibly impactful and will deepen your appreciation for the lessons you’re learning. You may not read more books this way, but the quality of your retention and the attention you give to the content you consume will have a lasting effect, such as:
- Building a portfolio that documents, consolidates, and synthesizes the ideas you gain through reading
- Bringing together key insights from various sources, allowing bigger ideas to take root and grow in your life and leadership
If you’re someone who collects books like trophies for your library, this system may not be for you. But if you’re ready to remember and truly be transformed by the books you choose to read, then this episode is the perfect place to start.
Related Episodes
Interested in learning more? Check out these related 3x5 Leadership podcast episodes.
Things Referenced in the Episode
- Introducing our Leadership University coming in early 2026! If you’re interested, you can learn more and sign up to be the first to know when it’s ready at our Leadership University page.
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Until next episode, friends, take care and lead well!
