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The Effective Executive

summary ofThe Effective ExecutiveBook by Peter F. Drucker

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You’ll learn

  • Elements of time management
  • How to provide relevant input
  • Ways to bring out the best in people
  • The importance of focusing on one thing
  • Preventative problem-solving

first KEY POINT

Oh, the unsettling sense of confusion!

Leadership, execution, responsibility 一 most of us find these words chilling, if not terrifying. No wonder, considering how often we associate a great leader with a strict, cold-minded, perfect demeanor in a spotless suit. It sounds like something we’ve seen in American Psycho and something we would like to stay away from.But really, there must be a trick, an almost paranoid ultimatum, why all these executives stay where they are and even do a great job. After all, a creepy feeling always comes from a thing we do not understand. Luckily, here we are, taking the first step into the chamber of executive mysteries.

Refusal to understand something is a fear of your potential.

In all seriousness, the secret of a brilliant executive is anything but fear. Peter F. Drucker embarked on a journey to open the not-so-scary Pandora’s box. One by one, he pulls out concepts like management of time quality, communication with boss and subordinates, mindful decision-making, and the like, and explains them in detail. In the end, what hides beneath all covers are familiar concepts of work and communication everyone can practice regardless of the leadership position.Whether you work at a big company or a ten-person start-up, the concepts of the effective executive apply in all cases because they build a company from the bottom up. That’s why this knowledge applies to everyone in a stuck situation as a leader or has intentions of becoming one.

Being a leader is more than just ordering other people around. We have to learn to manage ourselves first before leading someone else. And when we face hardships, we'll take leadership as seriously as possible.

second KEY POINT

The competence to get the right things done

As a product of a demanding society, we associate effectiveness with positive, fully conscious, and self-calibrated individuals. In particular, the term “effective executive” projects the following image: charismatic but not oversharing; dominant but not disrespectful; knowledgeable but not arrogant. Fit and extroverted are cherries on top of this pie.In other words, we expect a perfect balance of features. However, the practice shows there are only so many executives who meet this mold. There are more chances to meet boring, overweight, eccentric, and shy executives who do their job just as effectively. External features often create the illusion of an effective executive. But what truly defines one is the competence to get the right things done.

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first KEY POINT

Make wise use of your time

second KEY POINT

Take responsibility for your contribution

third KEY POINT

Build strength, not weakness

fourth KEY POINT

No time to explain; concentrate

fifth KEY POINT

How to blow (or not) a company with your decision

sixth KEY POINT

(Don’t) Trust thy aide as thou trusts thyself

seventh KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Peter F. Ducker (1909-2005) was an American management consultant and educator of Austrian descent. One of the most prominent philosophers of management who ascended this profession to the status of separate mind- and skillset.

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done about?

The Effective Executive by Peter F. Drucker focuses on improving effectiveness in decision-making and productivity. It emphasizes the importance of doing the right things to achieve goals, making it essential for anyone seeking to enhance their managerial skills.

What are the key takeaways from The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done?

Key takeaways include prioritizing tasks, focusing on contributions over efforts, leveraging strengths, and effective time management. Drucker provides practical insights that help executives maximize their personal and organizational effectiveness.

Is The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done worth reading?

Yes, The Effective Executive is highly regarded for its timeless principles and practical guidance. If you're looking to improve your leadership and decision-making skills, this book offers valuable lessons that remain relevant today.

How many pages is The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done and when was it published?

The Effective Executive has approximately 200 pages and was originally published in 1966. Drucker's insights have made it a staple in business literature for decades.

Who is the author of The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done?

The author of The Effective Executive is Peter F. Drucker, a renowned management consultant and writer credited with pioneering modern management practices. His expertise and insights have influenced countless leaders and organizations.