At the recent get-together with 300 A4e Managers from around the world I asked what newspapers they read. I wasn't overwhelmed by the response!!

People are always asking me for self improvement and business tips - looking through my blogs you will find plenty - and then it occured to me that I have never actually explained the sort of things I do every day. The sort of things I take for granted - part of my 'being informed' routine.

It is all very well having lots of tips on behaviours and actions - but I suppose I should have mentioned that my behaviours and actions are all piled on top of knowledge and information.

My Dad walked into my office one day ( when the company was very wee) and effectively called me an ignorant so and so!!! ( Only a Dad could do this!) He challenged me on the issues of the day, nationally and globally and soon showed what he knew to be true - I had very little worldly context with which to inform my plans and my decision making.
I was horrified when he suggested I should start to read the FT - everyday! - I of course thought I did not have the time - and I just knew I would not understand a word of it! So fear and ignorance kept me from following my dad's advice.

A couple of years passed and the wee company grew a bit - and I started to meet people who had a depth and an insight that frankly intimidated me. I chatted with my Dad - it became clear that these people weren't brighter - they were simply better read, better informed and better connected.

I ordered the FT - and boy I struggled - but bit by bit - I started to recognise the themes, the language started to unravel, the secrets of the business world were there for me to find. Many months later I began to use the information and actually develop it to the benefit of the business. Reading the stories - other people's stories gave me guidance and inspiration.

Now, I read the FT most days, I listen to Radio 4 (especially the Today programme in the morning) - I spend time with 'proper' papers at the weekend and I occasionally buy the Sun because I love their crossword! ( and their hilarious gossip and nonsense)!
Want to get on ? - get informed - be connected to society. Your confidence will soar.