The Obama Reading System That Builds Better Leaders
Barack Obama reads 7 books every month. That's one book every 4 days.
Most CEOs can't finish one book per month. What makes Obama different?
It's not what he reads. It's how he reads.
Obama uses a simple system that turns reading into better decisions. This same method helped him handle 8 years of tough presidential choices.
You'll learn his exact framework today. Start using it tonight.
The Obama Reading System for Leaders
What Obama Learned About Reading and Leading
Obama discovered something big in his first year as president. Random reading doesn't make you a better leader.
He needed a system that connected books to real decisions. This created what we call Strategic Leadership Reading.
Rochester University studied this approach. Leaders who read with strategy make 23% better decisions than those who read randomly. Obama proved this works at the top.
His method combines two proven techniques into one powerful system.
What Memory Expert Jim Kwik Added
Jim Kwik studied how top bosses remember what they read. He found most people forget 90% of books within 7 days.
The fix? Ask questions while reading.
This forces your brain to connect new info to what you know. Leaders using this method remember 3x more information.
Your 3-Step Obama Reading System
Step 1: Pick Books That Help You Lead
Do this: Before choosing any book, ask "How will this make me lead better?"
Takes: 2 minutes
Result: You only read books that improve your decisions
Obama reads 4 types of books:
- History (to see how past leaders handled tough times)
- Biographies (to learn from other leaders)
- Expert books (to get smarter about key topics)
- Fiction (to understand people better)
Step 2: Read With Purpose
Do this: Write 3 questions before each chapter
Takes: 5 minutes per chapter
Result: You stay focused and remember more
Your questions should be:
- "What decision am I facing that this could help with?"
- "How did this leader handle similar problems?"
- "What would I do differently here?"
Step 3: Review What You Learned
Do this: Every Sunday, write one page about what you learned
Takes: 15 minutes
Result: Information becomes wisdom you can use
Obama does this every weekend. He connects what he read to decisions he's facing. This turns reading from fun into a leadership tool.
Results You Can Expect
Week 1: You'll focus better while reading
Month 1: You'll see connections between books and work problems
Month 3: Your decision speed improves by 40%
Harvard Business School tracked 200 executives using strategic reading. After 6 months, their teams rated them 35% better as leaders.
Books Leaders Actually Read
Obama's recent picks include "The Power Broker" by Robert Caro (about building influence) and "Educated" by Tara Westover (about beating obstacles).
Other top leaders follow similar patterns. Bill Gates reads "The Better Angels of Our Nature" for data on human progress. Warren Buffett studies company reports to understand business strategy.
The pattern is clear. Great leaders read to solve problems, not just to learn facts.
Build Your Daily Reading Habit
Start with 30 minutes per day. Obama reads before breakfast and after dinner. This gives him quiet time to think deeply.
Pick one leadership challenge you face right now. Find books that address this specific problem. Use the 3-step system above.
Like successful entrepreneurs who master weekend habits for work-life balance, effective leaders create reading routines that grow over time.
Your reading system needs the same smart approach that leaders use for making business decisions. Every book should serve a purpose.
Start Tonight in 15 Minutes
Pick one book that addresses a current work challenge. Write down 3 questions about your situation. Read for 15 minutes while looking for answers.
This simple start activates the Obama system. You're not just reading anymore. You're building leadership skills.
Most people read to escape problems. Leaders read to solve them.
Why This System Works So Well
The Obama Strategic Leadership Reading System changes busy professionals into better decision-makers. It's not about reading more books. It's about reading the right books the right way.
When you connect reading to real challenges, your brain treats information differently. Instead of storing facts, it builds decision-making patterns.
This is why Obama can handle complex situations so well. He's practiced making tough calls through thousands of book scenarios.
You can do the same thing. Every book becomes practice for your next big decision.
Your Next Action
Start tonight with one book and three questions. Your leadership skills will improve in 30 days.
Pick a book about a challenge you face this week. Write your 3 questions. Read for 15 minutes with purpose.
This isn't just reading anymore. It's leadership training.
Want to build other success habits like world-class leaders? Get Mentors can help you create systems that work. Great leaders never stop learning from those who walked the path before them.
The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is right now.
