managing oneself

by peter drucker

what are my strengths?

• feedback analysis - identify and concentrate on your strengths / avoid intellectual ignorance

• lack of manners

how do I perform?

• reader or listener?

• how do I learn?

• loner or work well with people?

• decision maker or advisor?

• perform well under stress or structured environment?

• big or small organization?

• do not try to change yourself - work hard to improve the way you perform

what are my values?

• the "mirror test" - what kind of person do I want to see in the morning

• value match that of the company?

• strength-performance rarely conflict; but value-strength might conflict

where do I belong?

• most people won't know where they belong until past 20's

• but they should have know the answers to the questions above

• decide where they do not belong

what should I contribute?

• knowledge workers are different and needs to ask this question

• three distinct elements:

  • what does the situation require?

  • given my strengths, my way of performing and my values, how can I make the greatest contribution to what needs to be done?

  • what results have to be achieved to make a difference?

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effective executive

• manages and knows time

• focuses on contribution

• makes strength productive

• do first things first and do one thing at a time

• makes effective decisions