Sharpen Your Axe: Read and Grow

When I was a kid, reading was a big part of my life. Alice in Wonderland and many others left a lasting impression. I remember answering a question in grade 6 social studies and not even looking up from my book. My classmates thought I was some kind of brainiac, but that isn’t always good for your social life.

I believe my reading habit helped get me my first consulting gig. They asked me what business book I had most recently read. There were three or four books I was able to pull off the top of my head and summarize.

I will still happily spend a weekend skulking around used book stores, especially when I’m travelling. Sadly, they are fewer these days. But still I have a bias heavily in favour of reading. But it’s not just me.

Why Reading Matters

Lincoln was once asked how he would handle the task of cutting down a tree if he were given six hours to do so. He famously replied:

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”

Reading is a fast, easy, cheap way to develop new skills, hone and polish old ones, and sharpen your thinking. Continuous learning, including reading, is a great way to build expertise. There is a correlation between reading anything and higher income. People who read more have reduced levels of stress and cognitive decline as they age.

You don’t have to read the books I recommend in this article, but read something. Anything, really, is better than nothing. Sharpen your ax.

Why Reading about Consulting Matters

Skills, tools, and techniques used by consultants are also valuable to any managers or leader:

• Setting clear expectations
• Strong communication & presentations
• Data-based research
• Critical thinking
• Building authentic and trusted relationships
• Collaboration and team work
• Problem solving
• Strategic thinking

I’m sure you can think of others. Anyone in business of public service will most of these skills most of the time. So let’s get to the books!

Must-Read Books For and About Consultants

• The Trusted Advisor by David H. Maister – Focused on building trust and a relationship with clients. For anyone looking to improve their relationship game – inside your company or out
  
• Flawless Consulting by Peter Block – Approaches consulting as a collaborative process,
  managing resistance, and the value of clear expectations. Full of practical advice. Now in it’s third printing
  
• The McKinsey Way by Ethan Rasiel – A primer on the basics of running a consulting practice. I especially appreciated Rasiel’s take on presenting complex information effectively by putting the bottom line up front, using a narrative flow and visual aids, and keeping the audience in mind
  
• The Consulting Bible: How to Build and Grow a Successful Consulting Practice by Alan Weiss – Weiss provides practical strategies for both new and experienced consultants. He offers insights on client relationships, pricing models, and delivering value. It blends actionable advice with broader business development concepts. Updated in its second edition (2021)

So What?

Reading about consulting gives you:

• new the skills, tools, and techniques applicable in business and public service
• a refresher / tune-up on skills you already have
• a way to polish your own leadership skills and strategic thinking
• clearer, more realistic expectations if you’re thinking of hiring a consultant

Pro Tip:

When reading (or doing any learning), I try to find the one thing that you can implement the next day. That way it sticks with me. Put that new knowledge to use!

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What is your favourite consulting, strategic thinking, or leadership book you think everyone should read? What book should I read next?