I loved this staircase when I saw it for a number of reasons
The rich colour of the old wood, the width showed generosity so people can easily pass, and there is no skimping in the design.
I also loved the words in gold, giving clear indication what was to be found if one climbed to the next level of this wonderful bookshop. Each word catching one’s eye, especially if the topics inspired.
All too soon I was enticed up the stairs into the wonderful world of more books and subjects that held interest
I often use a staircase analogy when working with clients; it suits the approach of taking steps and each step taking one closer to the goal. I usually use the term ‘stairway to heaven’ borrowed from Led Zeppelin, and their song released in 1971.
Indeed, once surrounded by books on the upper floor, time seemed to melt away as one became absorbed, dipping into topics that were of interest.
It is a sad fact that few people read more than one book a year, yet within the covers of every book is knowledge amassed by someone, often after a significant time studying their subject and pulling it all together to make a coherent publication. Well usually!
I still think that a book is an amazing thing – it is so inexpensive and yet contains the distilled knowledge of the author. Who is usually well qualified or experienced in what they are writing about. This shop was a second hand bookshop so the price of some books was incredibly low. Yes, there were collectable books at a much higher price, but the usual price a mere fraction when compared with new.
It reminded me when I was working with a client, who asked me to run a session for his direct team. Once I had started with the team session I asked the question: ‘Who has read a book in the last year?’ The answer was 4 people; one bought a novel at the airport when going on a family holiday. The second question I asked was: ‘Who has read a business book in the last year?’ The answer was 1 – my client (it was one of the books I had given him – which to his credit he had read).
This is not unusual, but as a book reader, something I do find odd. The people in this session were middle managers in a good quality large business, in their mid-career, with many years of work and opportunity in front of them. And yet they were not investing any of their own money, or their own time, in sharpening their business skills by reading and learning from others who were eminent in their field.
Strange, and interestingly they all turned up with a coffee, from the coffeeshop next door. I did add the comment that if they didn’t buy a coffee a day, for the next week, they could all buy one book each, with the money they saved, and circulate the books at a monthly meeting – after reading the book of course! Hence, in one year they would have read 10 books, that could help them in their work and career. I even gave them a list of 10 recommend books.
Sadly, I know that this did not happen, and I am sure the coffeeshop did not see a temporary drop in sales either.
We all have choices and I am not going to make a nasty judgement, it is not my career after all. But, to climb higher on our career ladder, or to climb the stairs to the executive suite, we usually need to develop new skills.
Perhaps they would have been inspired if they had climbed these stairs.
So a stairway to heaven? Most certainly – I love to learn. Whiling away some time diving into books is indeed heaven. And yes, I did come away with a pile of books covering a mix of topics.
If you want some thoughts on which books to read to help in your own development, or that of your team do get in touch.
My best wishes,
Peter
