The Case for Reading Fiction

Some of the most valuable skills required for employees are self-discipline, self-awareness, creative problem solving, empathy, adaptiveness, flexibility, judgment, generosity, kindness, learning agility which are difficult to define or quantify. How do you learn them if you want to develop the same? Research suggests that reading literary fiction helps people develop empathy, critical thinking.

When we read we strengthen our cognitive muscles which are responsible for EQ. The act of reading can develop the qualities, traits, and characteristics of the employees. many business leaders have discussed the benefits of reading. Warren Buffet, Mark Cuban, Elon Musk, Bill gates have detailed the benefits and how reading has helped them in their businesses. But most of the books recommended by them are in the non-fiction area. 

We assume that reading for knowledge is the best reason to pick up a book. However, from research studies, we know that reading fiction can lead to a sharper ability to understand people's motivations. Reading non-fiction is certainly valuable for assimilating knowledge but does very little in developing EQ. 

How books can help employees

One reason fiction works are that the diversity of characters, locales, plots help anchor difficult conversations. The narrative allows readers to work through sensitive issues in an honest, open manner. By discussing the plot the readers begin to understand the overall context and this gradually reflects in looking at their work in the overall context. Many times they may associate their behaviors with the characters they would like to adopt or avoid. This sharing and discussions bring people together in discussing the plot. It helps in understanding the nuances of good vs evil tropes and presents characters with competing and often valid viewpoints. 

Research has shown that participants who read and discuss more are more willing to tackle difficult questions. The readers gradually discuss questions on how to balance tradition with innovation, how we sometimes fail to see other's viewpoints, and how we might listen to each other more with care. the point of reading is to develop cognitive agility and acuity.

Why reading works

Research suggests that reading fiction is an effective way to enhance the brains' ability to keep an open mind while processing information, a necessary skill for decision making.  

Here "Cognitive closure" needs to be understood. It is the desire to reach a quick conclusion in decision making and an aversion to ambiguity and confusion. people with this need tend to rely heavily on early cues and rarely change their minds as new information comes in. they also produce fewer individual hypotheses about alternative scenarios which makes them more confident in their original beliefs.  

People who resist cognitive closure tend to be more thoughtful, creative, and more comfortable with conflicting information. Researchers have found that readers who read short stories have a lower need for cognitive closure. reading literature requires us to slow down, absorb volumes of information, and change our minds as we read on. There is no direct answer in literature only perspectives. Again while discussing the story, we can talk of others' actions and not feel the need to defend ourselves. Also, we can have any conversations that might not happen in any other context.

Invest in reading

Companies may be reluctant to invest in these literary discussions but instructor-led literature groups are very useful. It has been found to foster psychological safety, collaboration, idea-meritocracy, critical thinking, and above all personal engagement. 

While there is no specific academic data on how guided literature study in workplaces training impacts employees, research indicates that it is one of the best practices to build empathy, critical thinking and creativity.

If we want better thinkers in business, we need better readers.

The Case for Reading Fiction

by Christine Seifert HBR March 06, 2020