Read and Watch…Don’t Actually Do

I’m distressed by leaders who read those idiotic psycho-babble business self-help books written by people who have done nothing of substance themselves other than observe what others do and then write about it as though they are some sort of authorities.

I suppose there is a place in this world for those who merely observe without actually doing, but people should not run companies or large organizations based on these amateurish arms-length observations. Watching Ted Talks doesn’t make a person expert in anything but mimicry.

I respect Gerstner and Welch and those who have run complex organizations and have something meaningful to share in what they write based on their first-hand experiences.

But in my mind the mere observers are simply posers who add little of value, other than the value of their book sales. They are legion. Their household names would be embarrassing to print. And the prominent names of so-called business leaders who follow their advice as though it was the Gospel according to the Business Jesus is astounding.

The vast majority of these books and their theories are pointless. They are beyond useless. And following them as though they are some sort of road map to success is totally hopeless and delusional.

The answer? Do. Don’t read about doing. Do. Accomplish something other than copying what people who have done nothing but observe, regardless of their degrees or university credentials, spend their every money-grabbing moment writing about.

Anything else is insulting to the people who work for you and actually believe that things happen because they appear in these self-serving books or on YouTube. Think for yourself, people.

Wake up and smell the feces. It’s all around you.