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I really enjoyed the MT newsletter topic (Read or Die) today, although I won't pretend it doesn't suit my own bias. I was specifically interested in seeing more opinions about the business press section.

Why Fortune?

Why not BusinessWeek? (and which one: the old old BW, the new old BW, or the Bloomberg BW?)

What about The Economist? HBR? Fast Company?

Any others?

stevesim's picture

You will find a much more detailed list of newspapers and periodicals covered in the Manager Tools Self Development podcast published nearly five years ago on 11/11/2005.

It provides more detail on the "why" of reading certain publications over others.

Steve Simmons
CGEIT, CISA, CISM, CISSP
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lenon76's picture
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I enjoy very much reading and I know its value as a self development tool. I've incorporated to my reading list many of the things recommended by Manager Tools. Still I struggle a lot in keeping up with all the things I want to read: newspapers, management magazines, books, blogs, etc.

What is more challenging to me is finding time to do read among work, family, friends, etc.

I'd like to know how other people does this, and any actionable tip will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

Osman Vindel 

jhbchina's picture

Hi,

I suggest you look at your calendar, and think of when is a good time to read. Do you use public transportation to commute to work, read then. I always read during my commutes since I am not driving. Read when you travel and are waiting for a plane. Read ten minutes before bed. 

Look and you will find the time.

JHB  "00"

jmgr's picture

I use my ipod a lot to help.  I rarely listen to music anymore.  When I run, I listen podcats for both professional and personal fulfilment.  I definately use the time to work for this purpose.  Reading however, is more difficult, since I usually crash trying to read at night.  I get books on audio to help, but they are not as user friendly as books.

TNoxtort's picture

I read a lot too, even though others mock me for it. Though being in the scientific field, I read a lot of papers, as well as books on communication and leadership.

Hey, to the podcast, Obama may be a busy guy, but he has it easier for reading in the car, since he has a driver. I have to drive myself, and usually listen to podcasts!

asteriskrntt1's picture

Read whatever you feel will be of value to you.  Mark feels Fortune hits his sweet spot.  You may have different needs than Mark.

I don't remember if this was in a podcast or a forum section - Mark suggested using commute time to build relationships.  If you have a commute where you don't get cell reception, great, use that time for podcasting/reading.  90% of my subway ride is underground and has no connectivity, so I read and listen to casts.  Remember, this is all guidance. Tweek it to make it work for you.

 

ShannonCorin's picture
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I read constantly. Liteally morning, noon and night. Depending on when I'm reading usually determines what I'm reading. For example, when I wake up I use my iPhone to read the local paper, WSJ and other news sources before getting out of bed. At work I will read papers and relevant journals pertaining to work. At breaks and during lunch I'll read the latest fiction or business book. Same with before going to bed. On weekends I usually spend minimum 2 hours per day reading, but I've spent entire days reading. I will read anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours at a time reading. Mostly it's 5-30 minutes at a time. You can fit reading in anytime. I always have a book with me. E-books make it even easier to have them with you during the day.

I listen to the podcasts while exercising, gardening and doing chores (dishes/laundry).

bdlibert's picture

Steve, I am interested in community opinions. Also, a lot has changed in that space in five  years. As well, that 'cast is -- understandably -- short on specifics. 

Osman, as JHB mentioned, public transportation is great for getting reading in. Unfortunately, I don't have that as part of my day anymore. Even so, fitting some time in between home and work (or work and home) can be time efficient and is also a good transition for your brain... as long as your commute isn't too brutal. Other than that, I think prioritization is a key... I choose a few things that I will absolutely keep current on, even if I have to take some work/friends/family time to do it. The rest I do as I can.

JMGR, podcasts are great (why we're all here, I assume) but as I don't commute very long or exercise as much as I should, I find them harder to fit in than reading.

Personally, I'm a big fan of The Economist because it's comprehensive and dense. I miss reading The Journal but I narrowly didn't find it worth my time... too much editorial in the news pages. I think Fortune is not worth much any more except their lists and Stanley Bing (which, given  the discounts they offer I still do). I was a fan of John Byrne at BW and FC but I don't care for what he's doing now at Poets&Quants nor is it particularly relevant to me. I tried to give BW a chance through the past few years but now that it has settled under Bloomberg it is too tabloid-y for me to keep it on. I would be surprised if anyone argued that FC is still relevant -- it was somewhat superficial even at its best. If I had lots of free time and money I would probably choose to read HBR but in an environment of scarcity... I don't find it worthwhile. Especially considering...

Blogs, etc. are an incredible way of keeping aware of new and trending topics as well as a lot of really deep information as I have interest and time. But that would fit under another subject.
 

stephenbooth_uk's picture

 I seem to recall in one cast (possibly the networking cast) Mark and Mike reccommended that if possible you should have someone else to drive you so you can catch up with people and on your reading.  Whilst it probably isn't practical for most people to employ a chauffer perhaps you can car pool with someone?  Trade off driving so on any given day one of you is catching up on reading/podcasts/networking whilst the other drives and visa versa the next day.  Improve your effectiveness and maybe save a bit of money on fuel and parking fees

 If car pooling isn't an option and there isn't a train.metro station near where you live, can you 'Park and Ride'?  Drive to the stattion and park up (or if you have a friend/partner who works locally or doesn't work they drop you off) and ride the train/metro the rest of the way and catch up on your reading/podcasts.

I can't drive so use public transport to get to and from work.  I do listen to music but read at the same time.  The playlist I listen to is one I've heard so often it's just aural wallpaper to block out the conversations of my fellow commuters.  I also read a lot when not travelling.

Stephen

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Skype: stephenbooth_uk (Please note I'm on UK time)

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Experience is how you avoid failure, failure is what gives you experience.