Yesterday was the first anniversary of the death of Peter Ferdinand Drucker, “the father of modern management.” Here is a selection of inspirational quotations from one of the most influential management philosophers of modern era. For more details, please see my article “The Legacy of Peter Drucker“.
The most serious mistakes are not being made as a result of wrong answers. The truly dangerous thing is asking the wrong question.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
My greatest strength as a consultant is to be ignorant and ask a few questions.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
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.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results not attributes.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
People who don’t take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year. People who do take risks generally make about two big mistakes a year.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
The only thing we know about the future is that it will be different.
—Peter Drucker (Austrian-born Management Consultant)
[…] My first exposure to Drucker’s thoughts was when I read his manual “The Effective Executive” during my undergraduate studies. Over the last few years, I have read and re-read many of his books and essays. Drucker’s unique style of expression and simple, clear language have left a deep impression on my pursuits, thoughts and actions. Below is one of my favorite Peter Drucker instructions. See my separate blog post on his inspirational quotations. Successful leaders don’t start out asking, “What do I want to do?” They ask, “What needs to be done?” Then they ask, “Of those things that would make a difference, which are right for me?” They don’t tackle things they aren’t good at. […]