Andy Stanley wrote, "It is not the acquisition of information that properly prepares a leader to lead; rather, it is the application of the right information.  People need to be trained around the core principles they need to know, not an endless amount of information that is nice for them to know."

In today’s Information Age, information is all around us.  It is almost too plentiful.  We can get information about almost any subject nearly effortlessly.  But an increase in information does not necessarily lead to an increase in knowledge, and certainly not so for wisdom.  We must become adept at tuning out the noise, figuring out quickly and effectively what information is relevant and principle-based, and disregarding the rest.  The most successful people are those who can disseminate the important from the almost-important as a matter of habit.  In all the noise of our modern world, what is important?  What is fruitful for study?  What is worth my time to learn?  What is principle-based?  What is core?

This is where it is helpful for a developing leader to have a mentor who can recommend great books that will focus on the right information.  A strategic leadership development plan and system are also very important.  The short-cut through the noise is to follow someone who has successfully navigated the same waters successfully.  To lead, one has to be a student.  To grow quickly and effectively as a leader, one must become an astute student. Get good at getting the right information.  You can’t learn everything, so focus on learning the most important things!