QuoteProject
The manager is a servant. His master is the institution he manages and his first responsibility must therefore be to it.
Peter Drucker
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

A manager should prioritize the needs of the institution they serve above their own interests.

This quote emphasizes the fundamental role of a manager as a servant leader, suggesting that their primary duty is to the organization and its mission. By serving the institution effectively, a manager fosters an environment that can thrive, ultimately benefiting both the employees and the overarching goals of the organization.

Themes

ManagementLeadershipServiceInstitutionResponsibility

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about leadership styles, one might quote Drucker to stress the importance of servant leadership.

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

Peace comes when you talk to the guy you most hate. And that's where the courage of a leader comes, because when you sit down with your enemy, you as a leader must already have very considerable confidence from your own constituency.
Desmond TutuRead
I am here by the will of the Great Spirit, and by his will I am chief.
Sitting BullRead
When leaders throughout an organization take an active, genuine interest in the people they manage, when they invest real time to understand employees at a fundamental level, they create a climate for greater morale, loyalty, and, yes, growth.
Patrick LencioniRead
Since it has pleased Providence to place me in this station, I shall do my utmost to fulfil my duty towards my country; I am very young and perhaps in many, though not in all things, inexperienced, but I am sure that very few have more real good will and more real desire to do what is fit and right than I have.
Queen VictoriaRead
The first lady is, and always has been, an unpaid public servant elected by one person, her husband.
Lady Bird JohnsonRead
If longevity is the best index to measure a company, a basic requirement is the ability of the corporation to generate new and new leaders.
N. R. Narayana MurthyRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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