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Category Archives: Peter Drucker

Star systems

Monday, July 28, 2008

A recent post about managing with ordinary managers like you and me attracted an interesting comment by leadership expert and author Ben Simonton about Peter Drucker’s legacy in this regard. In reply to my interest in hearing more about his concerns regarding Drucker’s influence, Ben said that he initially looked on him as a true business guru. However, with time and experience, he gained a perspective that dramatically altered this view. . .

Also filed in Individual Leadership, Management | | Comments (12)

As bad as all that?

Monday, July 14, 2008

There is a long list of types and styles of leadership enthusiastically promoted by their various proponents. These cover a lot of ground, from the fantastic (edge-walking leaders) to the mystical (shaman leaders) to the comical (inspired to leadership by toys). Their number increases, it seems, daily. One recent addition is partially spiritual - “wellness leaders” - and another almost refreshingly prosaic – growth leaders. The problem with them all is the word “leader.” Or, at least, the way it is used in these contexts . . .

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Charisma and leadership

Monday, June 30, 2008

Just a little over a week ago I saw a television program on which a full professor of psychology was a guest. He spoke with a sort of brook-no-argument authority about what it takes to be a leader. And there was no question about it in his view: a leader and executive must have charisma; it is a fundamental requirement. Mind you, he wasn’t talking about some sort of post-modern all-things-to-all-people magnetism; he was talking about a lantern-jawed, gimlet-eyed, cigar-chomping, power-radiating charisma. Moreover, the professor added emphatically, they must be the ones who have the vision on every topic . . .

Also filed in Individual Leadership | | Comments (5)

Interpreting dreams

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

To begin with, in discussing the importance of values in organizations, it is worth noting up front that the very fact that today’s modern world is one that is constructed of organizations is worth celebrating - it is a dream come true. . .

Also filed in Culture, Ethics | | Comments (1)

The audition

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

It may seem obvious that it is important to understand what skill sets you need in a job before you start looking for someone to fill it. And, indeed, many Human Resource departments know precisely what is required in closely defined line positions. From sales to production or service fulfilment, these criteria are often quite clear, and the process of discovering who has or can develop them can be just as clear. Unfortunately, the situation is more muddled for managers . . .

Also filed in Human Resources, Management Development, Women in Management | | Comments (8)