Forums

I know this might not be news for anyone in this forum but Drucker's The Effective Executive is gold. Solid gold, page after page.

The wisdom I'm reflecting on this morning (after a particularly rough day at work yesterday) is from chapter 1. "Effectiveness, in other words, is a habit; a complex of practices. And practices can always be learned...But practices are always exceedingly hard to do well. They have to be acquired...Practices one learns by practicing and practicing and practicing again." It's underlined in my copy now.

I've been listening to the podcasts for over a year now and am learning (and applying, as best I can, what I'm learning). This passage from Drucker reminds me that just because I'm putting in tons of time and effort doesn't mean I'm actually succeeding yet. I'm improving. I'm being consistent. I'm practicing. But I've got a long way to go before I should expect others to notice a difference, let alone appreciate it.

The practicing is actually a key part of the work itself, regardless of one's field.

Thank you Manager Tools for pointing me to Drucker and for the dozens of podcasts that are making my work life manageable. 

I woke up this morning thinking I'd post a question to the forum but, after some reading and reflection, I know I just need to keep on keepin' on. Practice, practice, practice. And start recognizing that as a reward on its own.

Thanks again.

Denise

svibanez's picture

Drucker is the king and following his advice doesn't come easily or automatically (at least not to me).  The M-T team presents Drucker's concepts in a way that resonates with me and makes me want to do it better every day.  One of Mark's great lines is that good management is boring, repetitive, unsexy, unpretty.  And it's highly effective.

I think the best we can do for our teams is to practice being our best every day.  As you said, we just have to keep on keepin' on.

All the best to you on your journey!

Steve

DiSC 7114

dejones's picture

Thanks Steve. I'd forgotten that quote from Mark but it totally resonates with Drucker's words on practice. Thanks for the reminder! Growing up I never thought I'd be striving to be the best boring, repetitive, unsexy and unpretty manager out there. But here I am! Doing my utmost to get there! Kind of funny. And, weirdly, great.

dejones's picture

Thanks Steve. I'd forgotten that quote from Mark but it totally resonates with Drucker's words on practice. Thanks for the reminder! Growing up I never thought I'd be striving to be the best boring, repetitive, unsexy and unpretty manager out there. But here I am! Doing my utmost to get there! Kind of funny. And, weirdly, great.

jrb3's picture
Licensee BadgeTraining Badge

 I'm very pleased I did.  I now know what skills I need to fill in, to complement those taught in Manager Tools land, so I can start getting paid for being a manager.  (Managing as a volunteer is fun, and I'd love to be paid to do so!)

dejones's picture

So glad the posts were helpful! Best of luck!