Still Reading Drucker
It's taking some time for me to get through "The Essential Drucker". Partly because of a busy schedule, partly because of other reading and mostly because there is much to consider in Drucker's writing. Especially for someone who is actively engaged in management every day.
My latest reading involved Drucker's thoughts on creating and managing objectives. He identifies eight areas. These are:
Marketing
Innovation
Human resources
Financial resources
Physical resources
Productivity
Social responsibility
Profit requirements
Since I live in the government employee environment I don't have to worry about a profit requirement. Thinking over these other areas I can make a case for each of them in my work.
Drucker points out that there must be objectives in each area. Any area without objectives will certainly be neglected. Makes sense to me. Drucker also says:
"Objectives are not fate; they are directions. They are not commands; they are commitments. They do not determine the future; they are means to mobilize the resources and energies of the business for the making of the future."
He compares objectives to a plane flight. A plane going from Los Angeles to Boston has a set departure time, an expected cruising speed and altitude and an anticipated arrival time. A normal flight varies little from these objectives. But when there is bad weather or other factors, the pilot has the ability and responsibility to vary from the objectives. If Logan Airport is covered by fog the pilot will land at another airport. If unusually strong winds are found at the chosen flight altitude the pilot will request a change. I liked this analogy.
I have the responsibility to address objectives in the first seven areas identified by Drucker. But it is not mine alone. In fact, involving my staff, stakeholders and bosses in this process is key. The next step for me will be to line up what we are already doing with Drucker's ideas. I'm certain that we are addressing many of them. It is Drucker's statement that there must be objectives for each area that gets me thinking and wondering.........
9:16:18 PM 
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