Strategic Reading Challenge: Read Books for Career Development

You may be familiar with reading challenges already, but have you ever participated in one? I created the strategic reading challenge, where you read books for career development to master a list of professional skills you need in the workplace.Triple Your Reading Speed

Reading challenges have been around for a while. But what makes the strategic reading challenge unique, is that it's a work reading challenge and a global reading challenge rolled into one, which translates into an extreme reading challenge. No other reading challenge incorporates your professional life — your job. No other reading challenge focuses on helping you develop the skills you need for a job.

The updated Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge aligns with the World Economic Forum's list of professional skills needed for future jobs. This allows you to prepare yourself to thrive in 2020. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, Join the Strategic Reading Challenge today!

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The goal of the Strategic Reading Challenge is twofold:

1. Learn the key skills in the workplace needed for future jobs.
2. Use global literature to build intercultural understanding and develop cultural awareness.

All the images in this post are clickable! 

Welcome to the Strategic Reading Challenge: Learning New Skills for Work

I’m a thinker. I often think through an article before I write a single word. Before I created the Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge, I spent a lot of time thinking through how it would work. Thinking through a process is important. But actually working through the process is even better. There is something to be said about experience.

When you physically go through a process, you encounter issues that you could never anticipate. And by also going through a process, you generate ideas that can make the process work a lot better.

It's about practice, not theory.

I screwed up participating in version 1.0 of the Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge. One person was rushing through the reading challenge. And as the creator of the challenge, I felt that I should complete the challenge ahead of everyone, since I started one month early to anticipate problems. I started jumping around reading books from different months until I became confused.

I created a fine mess for myself, and it was impossible to correct. The thing is this, the only person you should be competing against is YOU.  Go at your own pace. That's a lesson I needed to be reminded of.

Related

Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge 2016

Strategic Reading Challenge: Updated Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge

At the beginning of the Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge, I wrote a post indicating that professionals could use the reading challenge to accelerate their careers. That’s a good idea, except I didn’t go far enough. Not long ago, I read the article, “10 skills you need to thrive tomorrow – and the universities that will help you get them,” and it got me thinking. I realized that I needed to align the Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge with the list of professional skills needed for 2020 – the skills needed for future jobs. The light bulb went off.

But even so, as a researcher, I should not be relying on one piece of information. Ever heard the phrase, “Don't put all your eggs in one basket?” I recently attended the workshop, “What Should Students Learn in the 21st Century?” that Charles Fadel led. The Rotman School, University of Toronto hosted the event. The information in the session, supports the World Economic Forum (WEF) article.

But I also realized that there are other skills you need for a job in addition to the list of professional skills that the WEF listed. There are also skills that are specific to a certain role. That means there are specific job skills you need to master your job, so you can excel. One of the ways to discover what additions skills to acquire, is to do a career bucket list. I will write a post on how to do that in the future.

But before I go any further, what does strategic reading mean?

Strategic Reading Definition

“Strategic Reading is a process of constructing meaning by interacting with text; as individuals read, they use their prior knowledge along with clues from the text to construct meaning. Research indicates that effective or expert readers are strategic (Baker & Brown, 1984a, 1984b). This means that they have purposes for their reading and adjust their reading to each purpose and for each reading task. Strategic readers use a variety of strategies and skills as they construct meaning (Paris, Wasik, & Turner, 1991).” https://www.eduplace.com/rdg/res/literacy/st_read0.html.

Strategic reading is reading actively, engaging with the content you're reading. It's combining the new information with what you already know. It is reading with purpose and intention.

Further Reading

10 skills you need to thrive tomorrow – and the universities that will help you get them

Job Skills List: Top 10 Skills to Thrive in the Future

The skills needed for 2020 require more collaboration. Teamwork skills in the workplace is critical for success. Therefore, I am encouraging participants in the reading challenge to join the reading challenge with four other people to form strategic reading groups. That way they can discuss the books with each other, as well as apply the new learning.

The meeting time to discuss the books could be turned into a fun time, where strategic reading group members prepare a meal from the country they are reading that month. The reading challenge will still be a global reading challenge, because professionals must learn how to thrive in an increasingly global workplace.

To better prepare participants for the reading challenge, when they first sign-up, instead of starting the challenge that week, there would be some pre-reading. The pre-reading would cover the following topics:

• Note taking
• Reading intelligently
• Speed reading
• Communicating – written and oral
• Analyzing information
• Learning how to learn
• Leveraging technology
• Spotting patterns and trends

Participants will have access to templates to help them get the most out of reading. I will also invite participants to join the Facebook group for the reading challenge.

Related Posts

Active Note Taking Strategies: Why Professionals Should Care

Best Speed Reading Method? BrainRead by Göran Askeljung

Learning How to Read Books: What's the Best Way to Read a Book?

How to Analyze Information

How to Problem Solve: Basic Problem Solving Model

Cheat Sheet: Read Books to Hone Problem Solving Skills

Although reading challenge participants will have access to a list of books from each continent, since I’ve gone through the challenge, I will include a recommended reading list for adults. I think this will be useful since people ask me all the time for book recommendations. You'll find some of the best books for professional development. You are one person, so it's important to develop both personally and professionally to become the best YOU.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Another change I'd like to add to the updated Read the World Extreme Reading Challenge is augmented and virtual reality. While attending an event on augmented and virtual reality hosted by Toronto Girl Geeks, this realization hit me. Going through this reading challenge will change you, but imagine how transformative the experience will be if I added the virtual reality piece. While reading global literature, it would be great for the participant to visit the country where the author was born, as well as the place where the story is set.

Global literature has the potential to build cultural understanding. It's good to be immersed in virtual reality that tourism bureaus create, but it's also important to go beyond the tourist perspective. This is going to be more difficult to find appropriate short films and documentaries that will reflect the core values and beliefs at the heart of the cultural group.

Resources & Further Reading

3D VR GlassesSamsung Gear VRGoogle Cardboard3D VR Headsetdata-pin-nopin=”nopin”

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VR Travel: 10 Ways To See the World From Your Living Room

The 10 Best Travel Experiences Right Now Using Virtual Reality

Learn Around the World

List of Professional Skills Needed for Future Jobs – Amazon List

I just discovered that I could create a ‘shopping' list on Amazon, and make it public. I created the Skills Needed for Future Jobs Reading List. Amazon does what it does best by including eight pages of Customers Who Bought Items in Your List Also Bought. I created the list to make things easy for you when choosing books to read while participating in the Strategic Reading Challenge.

Global Reads – Amazon List

I also created a Global Reading List for you on Amazon, and made it public. There are another eight  pages of Customers Who Bought Items in Your List Also Bought. I created the list to make things easy for you when choosing global books to read while participating in the Strategic Reading Challenge. I have read all the books on the list. I may have read different versions and editions of some of the books, but I'm familiar with all the stories.

Month One: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are visiting the continent of Africa. Although there are 47 countries in Africa, Morocco and coastal islands – Cape Verde, São Tomé and Príncipe, Madagascar, the Comoros, the Seychelles, and Mauritius – are considered African countries as well, which brings the total up to 54.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month One – Africa & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in an African country.
2. Read a book that teaches you how to problem solve.
3. Read a book that teaches you how to think critically.
4. Read a book that teaches you how to become more creative.
5. Read a book that teaches you how to make better decisions.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing African Literature Reading List

Professional Skills List: How You Can Get the Top Skills for 2020

Related Posts

1. If You Read One Article About Complex Problem Solving Skills Read This One
2. Why Critical Thinking Skills are the Secret Ingredients for Success
3. The Beginner’s Playbook to Creativity Skills
4. How Decision Making Skills Can Get You Your Heart’s Desire

Month One: Books for Career Development

One Plus One Equals ThreeThinking CriticallyThe Creative HabitHow Professionals Make Decisions

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Month Two: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are visiting Antarctica.  Although not many people are known to be born on the continent of Antarctica, many novels have been set there. You can get ideas at Goodreads: Popular Antarctica Books.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Two Antarctica & More

1. Read a book set in Antarctica.
2. Read a book that teaches you strategies to manage people.
3. Read a book that helps you to become better at collaborating with others.
4. Read a book on emotional intelligence.
5. Read a book that teaches you strategies to excel at serving others.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Goodreads: Popular Antarctica Books

Related Posts

1. Why Our World Would End If People Management Skills Disappeared
2. Complete Beginner’s Guide to Collaboration Skills
3. Ultimate Guide to Emotional Intelligence Skills
4. Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Service Orientation

Month Two: Books for Career Development

Leading TeamsCollaborationEmotional Intelligence 2.0Service Orientation

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Month Three: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are visiting Asia. There are 50 countries in Asia, so you have a lot of choice here. There are some books that were written centuries ago, so for this month it would be fascinating to blend the old with the new.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Three – Asia & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in Asia.
2. Read a book that teaches you negotiation techniques.
3. Read a book that teaches you cognitive flexibility.
4. Read a book that teaches you how to be a better presenter.
5. Read a book to improve your written communication skills.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing Chinese Literature Reading List

Library Thing Japanese Literature Reading List

Library Thing Indian Literature Reading List

Related Posts

1. The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Negotiation Skills
2. Bite-Sized Guide to Cognitive Flexibility Skills

Month Three: Books for Career Development

Kiss, Bow, Or Shake HandsLinks Between Beliefs and Cognitive FlexibilityTalk Like TEDSeveral Short Sentences About Writing

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Month Four: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

We are travelling to Australia/Oceania this month through the books we read. There are 14 countries on this continent.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Four – Australia/Oceania & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in Australia/Oceania.
2. Read a book about happiness.
3. Read a book about how to learn.
4. Read a book about psychology. This will help you to better understand people.
5. Read a book that blends disciplines.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing Australian literature

Library Thing New Zealand Literature

Month Four: Books for Career Development

The Happiness AdvantageHow We LearnInfluenceMindset

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Month Five: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

Europe, here we come! The continent of Europe includes 51 independent states. Many of the classic literature we know of, and have enjoyed, were written by authors born on this continent. You can have a lot of fun this month.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Five – Europe & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in a European country.
2. Read a book to help you master social media.
3. Read a book written over a century ago, then read a retelling of the book. This counts at two books for the month.
4. Read a collection of comics.
5. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing French Literature

Library Thing English literature

Library Thing Spanish literature

Month Six: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are reading North America, which includes the Caribbean and Mexico. This is going to be so much fun. There are 23 recognized independent states in North America – the largest are Canada and the United States.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Six – North America & More

1. Read two books written by authors born in North America and the Caribbean. This counts as two books for the month.
2. Read a book about ideas.
3. Read a book about your favorite hobby to become better at it.
4. Read a children’s book that you didn’t read as a child.
5. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing American literature

Library Thing Canadian Literature

Library Thing Caribbean Literature

Month Seven: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we journey to South America where there are 12 independent countries and 3 dependent territories. Some very famous writers like Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez were born in South America. You will not have a problem finding books to read from this continent.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Seven – South America & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in South America.
2. Read a collection of essays.
3. Read a book that was adapted to film. Watch the film, then compare and contrast it with the book.
4. Read a book that has less than 100 pages. In celebration of Penguin’s 80^th birthday, they published short classics that you can complete during your commute.
5. Read a graphic novel that’s a retelling of a classic book.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing South American Literature

Library Thing Latin American Literature

Month Eight: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are doing something a little different, we are reading women, and we are reading different genres of books written by women.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Eight – Read Women

1. Read an autobiography/biography of a woman written by a woman.
2. Read a science fiction written by a woman.
3. Read a murder mystery written by a woman.
4. Read a classic written by a woman.
5. Read a book that deals with a serious topic that’s written by a woman.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

25 Women to Read Before You Die

102 of the Greatest Books by Female Authors

23 Recent Books By Women You Should Read ASAP

Month Nine: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are reading men, and like last month, we are reading from different genres.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Nine – Read Men

1. Read an autobiography/biography of a man written by a man.
2. Read a science fiction book written by a man.
3. Read a murder mystery written by a man.
4. Read a classic written by a man.
5. Read a book that deals with a serious topic that’s written by a man.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Popular Male Authors Books

Good Books by Male Authors You Need to be Reading

Month 10: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

We are revisiting North America this month, simply because there are so many books that you can easily access.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Ten – Read North America, the Caribbean & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in the United States.
2. Read a book written by an author born in the Caribbean.
3. Read a book written by an author born in Canada.
4. Read a book about your industry/niche to develop skills as well as to understand how the industry works.
5. Read a book about someone’s journey – inner or outer.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing American literature

Library Thing Canadian Literature

Library Thing Caribbean Literature

Month 11: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

This month we are revisiting Asia simply because two of the most populous countries – India and China – in the world are on that continent.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Eleven – Read India, China, Japan & More

1. Read a book written by an author born in India.
2. Read a book written by an author born in China.
3. Read a book about Japanese philosophy.
4. Read a book of poetry.
5. Read a book about science.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing Chinese Literature Reading List

Library Thing Japanese Literature Reading List

Library Thing Indian Literature Reading List

Month 12: Strategic Reading Challenge – Read Books for Career Development

We are revisiting Europe and Africa because so many countries are on those two continents.

Strategic Reading Lesson Plans (Challenge Requirements): Month Twelve – Read Europe, Africa & More

1. Read a book written by an author from Europe.
2. Read a book written by an author from Africa.
3. Read a book about a religion.
4. Read a book about philosophy.
5. Read a book purely for entertainment.
6. Each week, read a technology article from a well-respected journal/magazine.

Library Thing French Literature

Library Thing English literature

Library Thing Spanish literature

Library Thing African Literature Reading List

Strategic Reading Challenge: Read Books for Career Development

Actions to Take

1. Sign-up for Strategic Reading Challenge.
2. Join the Facebook Group.
3. Spend three hours deciding which books to read for the first three months – that’s 15 books – of the challenge.
4. Schedule your reading. Will you read a set number of pages each day, or for a set time period each day? One recommendation is to read an hour every day.

Strategic Reading Challenge, What’s Next?

Imagine that you have been participating in my reading challenge for 12 months, you're in strategic reading groups and you have been diligently following the strategic lesson plans. And if you were reading a book every six days, you have now read 60 books for the year – read 60 books for career development. You have now mastered a list of professional skills. And if you’ve been taking notes when you read, as well as combining the ideas from the books you read, you would now have a whole lot of ideas.

How will you use those ideas? One way is to connect ideas to human needs, which will allow you to profit from the ideas. How can you use your notes? You could turn your notes into an e-book, so that you can teach others what you’ve learned from the experience. Target people who you know are interested in learning new skills for work. How has your life been enriched from the group discussions? Are confident that you learned the skills needed for future jobs?

So what's next? You could start the challenge again. Or even repeat certain aspects of the strategic reading challenge. The choice is yours. What reading challenge ideas would you like to share?

Triple Your Reading SpeedEcho Smartpen and 3 Subject Notebook BundleWacom Bamboo Spark with Tablet Sleeve 

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Some of the Books from the Skills Needed for Future Jobs Amazon List

 Great Negotiations How to Sweet-Talk a Shark The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking Emotional Intelligence 2.0 Problem Solving 101 How to Study with Mind Maps Mind Mapping for Kids Creativity, Inc. Making Ideas Happen Smart Choices Literacy Processes A Kick in the Seat of the Pants How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci The Next Big Thing The Art of Thought

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Some of the Books from the Global Reading Amazon List

 Silence of the Grave Under the Glacier The Bookseller of Kabul The Laughing Policeman July's People The Dew Breaker The Coroner's Lunch Ru: A Novel Ficciones The Duppy Love in the Time of Cholera Out Stealing Horses The Shooting Party Gilgamesh Siddhartha

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Participate in the Read the World Facebook Group! Please take the conversation to my  Facebook page.