The great majority of executives tend to focus downward. They are occupied with efforts rather than with results. They worry over what the organization and their supervisors “owe” them and should do for them. And they are conscious above all of the authority they “should have.” As a result, they tender themselves ineffectual.
The effective executive focuses on contribution. He looks up from his work and outward toward goals. He asks: “ What can I contribute that will significantly affect the performance and the results of the institution I serve?” His stress on responsibility.
The focus on contribution is the key to effectiveness: in a person’s own work – its content, its level, its standard, and its impact, in his relations with others – his superiors, his associates, his subordinates, in his use of the tools of the executive such as meeting or reports.
The focus on contribution turns the executive’s attention away from his own specialty, his own narrow skills, his own department, and toward the performance of the whole. It turns his attention to the outside, the only place where there are results.
source : The Daily Drucker - Peter. F. Drucker
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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2 comments:
Executives need to expand their perspectives. If all they do is focus down they are missing the big picture. And isn't that what executives should be doing - looking at new opportunities to succeed.
I recently went to a conference that focused on Democratic Leadership - WorldBlu Live. Instead of top down management we need to let every one get involved to create success. The employees feel happier and more engaged. The executives don't feel like they need to make every little decision.
I agree with you Karl. The old top down perspective has already prove itself ineffective in ways.
One of the most successful bottom up company would be Toyota Motor Corp from Japan whose successfully implanted the workforce participation that focus on small workplace improvements, while the top executives think about a much more strategic actions.
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