Wisdom for the Ages: Insight from the Father of Management

I’m just going to put it out there: L&D professionals are the most important people in business. Why? Because Peter F. Drucker said so.

In all seriousness, I spent last weekend in class reflecting on and gaining insight from Peter Drucker via a VHS-converted-to-DVD documentary. What I found is that Drucker’s words are timeless and classic. They defy the odds of time and share with us our ultimate responsibilities as stakeholders and constituents within the business world. Here are some of my greatest takeaways and our executor role as L&D professionals.

Compete globally even though you market locally.

Drucker understood early that his small backyard wasn’t the world; the world was the world. As a result, he encouraged clients to maintain a mindset and disposition open to the possibilities of the future. He in no uncertain terms exposed the business world to the “greater sandbox.” As L&D professionals, we must remember to maintain a similar mindset. Know that the practices of yesteryear may no longer apply—especially as new generations and technology enter the workplace. Embrace the new.

Society is more important than economy.

We all know the economy isn’t as great as it could be. So what? Now what? Do something about it. Drucker shares that social responsibility and philanthropic focus along with truly caring for employees will stimulate your personal business economy. Take care of community—inside and outside of work—and your company culture will stimulate business (think Tony Hsieh and Zappos). Fellow L&Ders, make sure to present your evaluation results to senior management. Let them know the impact that your programming and interventions have on the workforce. If they’re smart and you’re thorough, they’ll link business and human systems results.

Customers are focused on service, not on distance.

If a business doesn’t understand this, they don’t deserve to be in business. I will drive past my local Wendys and McDonalds to buy waffle fries and hear “my pleasure” from Chick Fil A.  Controversy aside, you can’t beat service excellence. Businesses who bypass service as their number one marketing tool are missing out on a fantastic opportunity to outdo the competition. For many, this is the reason for the existence of L&D. Help recommit your company to stellar customer service through new initiatives, and solidify your place at the table as a strategic partner focused on increased business opportunity.

Whatever you think your business is, you’re wrong. You are in the business of training and developing people.

You can’t deliver a service without people. Drucker knew this better than anyone and would often start a consulting gig by asking the question and letting C-suite execs flounder before saving them. Simply put: a business is a business because of its people. When it focuses on developing them as individuals and as a team, it will see the results it craves.  Never forget this, my L&D peers. Fight for every dollar and cent you can to continue pouring into your people. It’s an investment that pays dividends.

Insight into Action

Because I have a choice, I’m going to choose to listen to a man who studied management his entire life. Whose father hosted the Vienna Circle.  Who observed and analyzed what indeed made Hitler great. Who, ultimately, translated insights into practical business action. 

I wish I could’ve met Drucker and talked to him about my passion for talent development and Millennials. I’m sure he’d be happy to know that his thoughts and his life’s work continue through all of us who respect and embrace his contribution to the modern field.