The purpose of an organization is to enable ordinary humans beings to do extraordinary things.
Peter DruckerRead
I would hope that American managers-indeed, managers worldwide-continue to appreciate what I have been saying almost from day one: that management is so much more than exercising rank and privilege, that it is much more than "making deals." Management affects people and their lives.
Interpretation
Management should prioritize people over power and deals.
This quote emphasizes that effective management goes beyond authority and transactional dealings, focusing instead on the profound impact managers have on the lives and well-being of their team members. Peter Drucker advocates for a people-centric approach to management, reminding us that true leadership involves nurturing relationships and fostering a supportive work environment, rather than merely exerting control or negotiating deals.
In practice
A leadership seminar discussing the importance of empathy in management.
The purpose of an organization is to enable ordinary humans beings to do extraordinary things.
In the Western tradition, we have focused on teaching as a skill and forgotten what Socrates knew: teaching is a gift, learning is a skill.
We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.
The basic economic resource - the means of production -_x000D_ _x000D_ is no longer capital, nor natural resources, nor labor._x000D_ _x000D_ It is and will be knowledge.
Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.
The strength of the computer lies in its being a logic machine. It does precisely what it is programed to do. This makes it fast and precise. It also makes it a total moron; for logic is essentially stupid.
It is difficult for men in high office to avoid the malady of self-delusion. They are always surrounded by worshipers. They are constantly, and for the most part sincerely, assured of their greatness.
The duties of an officer are the safety, honor, and welfare of your country first; the honor, welfare, and comfort of the men in your command second; and the officer s own ease, comfort, and safety last.
The basic DNA we've got to implant in leaders now is adaptability: not to get wedded to the solution to a particular problem, because not only the problem but the solution changes day to day. Creating people who are hardwired for that is going to be our challenge for the future.
I wonder how far Moses would have gone if he had taken a poll in Egypt? What would Jesus Christ have preached if He had taken a poll in the land of Israel? Where would the Reformation have gone if Martin Luther had taken a poll? It isn't polls or public opinion alone of the moment that counts.
You think that the heads of state only have serious conversations, but they actually often begin really with the weather or, 'I really like your tie.'
I've seen it again and again in my consulting: Most teams are too large to be innovative, despite their leaders' best intentions.
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