QuoteProject
Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their work done.
Peter Drucker
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Effective management should facilitate work, not hinder it.

Peter Drucker highlights a common paradox in the realm of management, where cumbersome processes and bureaucracy often obstruct the very productivity that management aims to enhance. This quote serves as a reminder for leaders to focus on creating an environment that enables their teams to work efficiently and effectively, rather than implementing unnecessary obstacles.

Themes

ManagementProductivityLeadershipObstaclesEfficiency

In practice

Example use cases

A team leader might reference this quote in a meeting to discuss ways to streamline workflows.

More from Peter Drucker

The purpose of an organization is to enable ordinary humans beings to do extraordinary things.
Peter DruckerRead
In the Western tradition, we have focused on teaching as a skill and forgotten what Socrates knew: teaching is a gift, learning is a skill.
Peter DruckerRead
We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.
Peter DruckerRead
The basic economic resource - the means of production -_x000D_ _x000D_ is no longer capital, nor natural resources, nor labor._x000D_ _x000D_ It is and will be knowledge.
Peter DruckerRead
Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes... but no plans.
Peter DruckerRead
The strength of the computer lies in its being a logic machine. It does precisely what it is programed to do. This makes it fast and precise. It also makes it a total moron; for logic is essentially stupid.
Peter DruckerRead

Similar quotes

Connect the dots between individual roles and the goals of the organization. When people see that connection, they get a lot of energy out of work. They feel the importance, dignity, and meaning in their job.
Ken BlanchardRead
It makes him contemptible to be considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock; and he should endeavour to show in his actions greatness, courage, gravity, and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or to get round him.
Niccolo MachiavelliRead
I've seen it again and again in my consulting: Most teams are too large to be innovative, despite their leaders' best intentions.
Patrick LencioniRead
He who finds a new path is a pathfinder, even if the trail has to be found again by others; and he who walks far ahead of his contemporaries is a leader, even though centuries pass before he is recognized as such.
Ibn KhaldunRead
How was your day? If your answer was "fine," then I don't think you were leading.
Seth GodinRead
I knew that our community needed a very clear voice. and I think we deserved representation that rejected lobbyist funds and put our voters and our community first.
Alexandria Ocasio-CortezRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.