Respected management thinker and writer, Peter Drucker, would have celebrated his 100th birthday on November 19.
Born in Austria, he started out his career as newspaper correspondent, continued as an economist, management consultant and teacher. He wrote 39 books – not only on management but also politics, economics and society and was an iconic contributor to the Harvard Business Review for more than 50 years.
I first encountered his thoughts during my studies, and although imminently ‘paraphrasable’ it is considered that it is not just the ‘content of his ideas’ but rather the ‘discipline of his mind’ from which we can learn. He was a holistic, integrative and far sighted thinker. RBMKanter states: ‘he preached steadinesss and lifetime vision’ (HBR, November 2009)
The following are some of my favourite Drucker quotes/ideas, the substance of which is of great value for businesses of all sizes in their management and marketing strategy development. They also provide a glimpse into the workings of this great mind.
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We live and operate in dynamic environment:
Managers believe that industry structures are ordained by the Good Lord, but they can and often do – change overnight
Customers – at the heart of every business – and every marketing strategy
The purpose of a company is to create a customer
A business.. is defined by the want the customer satisfies when he or she buys a product of service
To satisfy the customers is the mission and purpose of every business
Employees Purpose & Motivation:
The number of people who are really motivated by money is very mall. Most people need to feel that are here for a purpose, and unless an organization can connect to this, need to leave something behind that makes this a better world, or at least a different one, it won’t be successful over time.
Customers, Business & The Internet
In the mental geography of ecommerce, distance has been eliminated
Management & Non Profits:
Non profits are of course still dedicated to ‘doing good’. But they also realize that good intentions are no substitute for organisation and leadership, for accountability, performance, and results. Those require management and that .. begins with the organisation’s mission.
Mission:
A clearly defined mission will foster innovative ideas and help others understand why they need to be implemented
A mission …focuses the organisation on action.
Innovation:
Means looking on change as an opportunity… abandoning the old
Innovation matters because ours is a knowledge based society
Do you have a favourite Drucker insight? Please tell us!
Anne – Thank you for reminding me about Peter Drucker. Some years ago when I was a member of the management team of a national retailer, I acquired and read a number of his books. They influenced me profoundly and as result I was able to improve my management skills.
I shall now revisit the books to refresh my memory of his writings.
I commend then to your readers.
Todd Trevaks