Thoughts and ideas on people and technology.
August 12, 2024
A common question interviewers ask is variations of, “If you could impart one piece of advice to everyone listening, what would it be?” I would answer that in the context of the workplace, reading comprehension is the base skill that underpins everything else.
Why reading comprehension? Most instructions come in the form of the written word. In the workplace, think of policies, procedures, notices, warning labels, and equipment instructions. Ikea has made an attempt at word-less assembly manuals, but I’m willing to bet most who’ve used them would rather they include at least some written information.
Humanity has been aware of the value of writing things down for most of history (see “Writing Things Down Is For Boys Too” for my arguments for the written word). And if we’re going to write things down, we need to be able to read (and comprehend) as well.
If you’re still not convinced, consider the skills training that are built on top of reading comprehension. Critical thinking, effective communications, leadership development, problem-solving, and most things technology related all depend on a functional level of reading comprehension.
The solutions for this are all underpinned by the same concept: practice. To improve your reading comprehension, practice reading and thinking about what you’ve read. Ideally in multiple forms. Short, medium, and long form are all important and will work different higher-order skills. For example, reading long form will teach patience and more complex analysis. If you’d prefer something more formal, many community libraries have adult literacy programs and most post-secondary institutions have relevant classes as part of their academic upgrading or essential skills programs.
I should point out that I see the irony in the fact that I include audio versions of these articles for those who’d rather listen than read. I’m also an avid audiobook consumer. My excuse is that most of my listening is done while carrying out mentally passive activities, like household chores. So you won’t receive any judgment from me if you continue to listen instead of read.
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