Still Convinced.
And then…Steve Collier.
I began working at Milsoft in September 2007. This has become one of the best decisions I have ever made. I knew many people that worked at Milsoft, but one person I did not know was Steve Collier. Steve Collier is my boss and a “Reader”. When I say “Reader”, I mean, those guys that run their fingers down the page in about 3 seconds and finish books in 10 minutes. Definitely not what I would call “A match made in Heaven”.
Steve decided it was time for some potential “future management types” at Milsoft to begin reading some management type books. I could hear Steve now…”Robert, you want the good news or the bad news? Good news: You are ‘future management types.’ Bad News: You GET to read.”
So I tried really hard to read. I asked Steve if I could do audiobooks (Taking the easy way out, my motto). Steve said sure, for every audiobook though, you must read one book (non-audiobook style). Man! He got me!
I literally went to Amazon, mapped out my plan, found out how many pages the recommended 10 books were, listed the shortest five on my “To read” list and the longest five on my “To listen to” list (Again, taking the easy way out).
I began by listening to The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. I began thinking, “this is going to be the worst time of my life. I have to read / listen to 10 of these?”
Second Book: Leadership is an Art by Max DuPree. I actually READ this one! Book #3. I have READ three books in my life. I AM A STAR!!!!!
But I still Hated Reading! I have 8 more books to go. 4 to read and 4 others to Listen to. I can do this. I am sure I can.
Third Book: Unleashing the Killer App by Larry Downes and Chunka Mui. I am going to read this one, it is one of the “Shorter” of the ten. Halfway through, can’t read anymore. It is on the shelf at my office staring me in the face. “READ ME” it says! And I can’t. I just can’t!
I tried Steve. I really did.
And then…Jeremy Voss (baldgoat.tumblr.com).
