Drucker's Keys to Success

"We live in an age of unprecedented opportunity: if you've got ambition and smarts, you can rise to the top of your chosen profession, regardless of where you started out."

I think this quote is one that we should all take with us throughout our lives and our careers because ambition and passion are drivers of success. Drucker points out that it is our responsibility to make a place for ourselves in this world and to do so we must truly understand our strengths and weaknesses. By focusing on what we excel at we can then use it to succeed not only in the workplace but in life as well. He also points out the importance of being a well-rounded individual and someone who is open to change. I also think these are important characteristics to have today because change is constant in our society and if you are not open to new ideas or new ways of doing things you will most likely be left behind. Also, being knowledgeable in only one field and knowing all there is to know about it is great, but its not wise. How can you work with other fields and combine forces if you are completely incompetent in what they do? I think it is really important, especially as management majors, to have at least a basic understand of all the departments within the company you are working for. Incompetence is only going to allow for things to fall through the cracks and hinder our chances of being successful. Being well-rounded also gives you the flexibility to take on a number of jobs, and to not feel as though you are only suitable for one type of position.

Overall I think Drucker's article was important for us to read as seniors. I know for me at least that it made me think more about my own strengths and weaknesses and the importance of "playing" on my strengths once I enter full-time into the working world. And, it also made me think about my level of self awareness and if I truly do know where all my strengths lie.