Start with a library

If you want your team to write, they need to read first. 

It sounds simple and it is. Read more. Write more. With the Chief of Staff of the Army’s call to renew professional writing, we need to think about accomplishing this mission progressively. Encouraging reading will lead to more writing. 

Whenever I address groups of Soldiers, I mention the importance of reading. Reading continues to be a critical component of my professional and personal life. Unfortunately, reading is at an all-time low. The average U.S adult reads only 15 minutes per day...[The pandemic brought reading levels slightly up, but in the last year numbers have dropped to lower than pre-pandemic]  On a better note, however, studies reveal that Americans read books at a much higher rate than the world average. As leaders, we can encourage reading—and writing—by highlighting how and what we read.  

I recently wrote an article about leadership titled “Leadership Lessons from a General’s Memoirs” that draws from General Grant’s personal memoirs.  I wrote it not because of large gaps in leadership philosophy or tactical training. I was not advocating for extreme change or an Army course correction. It was simply that this is one of my favorite books. I wanted to share it with others and ultimately inspire discussion.  But the grandest point is to get your people reading regularly. 

For this reason, every unit, probably down to the Company-level, should have some form of a library. The collection would have a military, leadership, or personal growth focus; military periodicals and articles should round it out. The library, maybe just a stack of shelves near a duty desk or other common area, is seen daily and serves as a cue to read. Of course, a physical library is not the only option as this space is littered with digital opportunities, but I personally like the hardcopy. It is a visual reminder to read, and digital books are not as easily shared. Ultimately though, it does not matter how the book is read as long as your people are doing it. 

Leader provided reading lists also help. Many senior leaders do this in some fashion and company and platoon level leaders should do the same. However, maybe books are not the way to start. Single articles, magazines, and journals all focus on our profession. In truth, a book or article recommendation by a first-line supervisor probably holds more weight to a young Soldier than the Division’s front office. Couple these recommendations with why you like the article or some reflection questions, and you’ve really got something.  

But reading does not need to be focused on military themes. When I talk to younger people about reading, I encourage them to take a topic they enjoy and find literature on it. Be it a motorcycle magazine, articles about cooking, a journal on finance; there are periodicals available for just about any topic that spurs interest. I give nearly full credit to Sports Illustrated for creating my love of reading. It was a weekly digest on a topic that I loved. It taught me that reading could be enjoyed, and how to write an argumentative point with the importance of being clear and concise.  

Starting with a library is simply a mindset. Read more, write more. If you want your folks to write, they need to read. 

CSM Tyson Crosby is the Training and Doctrine Command CSM’s Enlisted Initiatives Group leader at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. He served most of his career in the 75th Ranger Regiment, with senior enlisted leader assignments in the 25th Infantry and 82nd Airborne Divisions. SGM Crosby has deployed to combat 19 times since 2001. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior University and a master’s degree in education from Pennsylvania State University.