"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said."
About seven years ago I was contacted by the Peter F. Drucker Foundation inquiring if I would consult with his wife on bringing a new product to market. Me? Consult with Peter Drucker's wife? Wow! I asked the guy on the phone why Mr. Drucker wasn't helping her. He replied that Mr. Drucker doesn't do this stuff, he simply writes about it.
I loved that brutally honest statement. And that's why I loved Drucker. He was a smart, honest and humble guru (despite the fact that he hated being called one). I don't know about you, but I rarely run into people like him in today's business world of pseudo celebrities and raging egos. I'll miss Mr. Drucker.
For a limited time, McKinsey is offering articles inspired by Drucker from the McKinsey Quarterly archive about knowledge workers and how companies can maximize the benefits from their in-house knowledge. Normally reserved for premium members, these articles are available to all site members until November 21. Do yourself a favor and sign up and read them (free this week only):
If you're interested in hearing the man himself, click here.
Posted November 14, 2005
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Tom is timely, thought provoking and all about the new brand vision packaged as a Seinfeld stand up. I went to school on his ideas.
Jeff Taylor, Founder, Monster.com and CEO, Eons.
When Tom Asacker writes, I read. Opportunity Screams is the right message for the right time.
Tom Peters
The McKinsey articles are not by Drucker, merely inspired by him. That's generous of McKinsey to credit another's thinking.
Peter was the real thing and will be missed. I wrote a little about my work with him when I was with the Drucker Foundation on my blog. http://4nonprofits.org/PFD-appreciation
Posted by: Rob Johnston | November 14, 2005 at 09:17 PM
Thanks Rob. I corrected it and added a link to an interview with Drucker on On Point radio.
Posted by: Tom Asacker | November 15, 2005 at 10:01 AM
That should have been an incredible experience for you, Tom. I can´t imagine how it can sound a business proposition like that.
Posted by: Felix Gerena | November 15, 2005 at 01:47 PM