We are discussing the brilliant work of Peter Drucker.  He was the leader in the development of management education and invented “management by objectives”.  He wrote dozens of books about business and management.  Drucker was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.  Our discussion is based on the Drucker’s 12 Keys to Success.

We are beginning to look at how Drucker’s 12 Keys to Success applies not only to our business but our lives as well.  Consider that your life is not separate from your business.  It is central to having your business be successful.  One could say that a successful life = a successful business.  It is useful to look at life as integral to business and from that point of view, how do the Drucker Keys apply?

Key 9: “All one has to do is learn to say ‘no’ if an activity contributes nothing.”

I don’t know about you but for me “no” is one of the hardest words to say to someone.  I am an executive, managing both a home and two businesses.  I have to be organized and mindful of my time; but still, I find that often I am saying, “Yes,” to things just because I think I can fit something else in.  And… it’s easier to say yes.  However, simply because I can fit something else in doesn’t mean I should do it.

I have learned to say “No.”  Note that I am emphasizing the word learned.  Drucker realized that we are for the most part “yes” machines so he wisely says that we have to learn how to say no.  What I think he’s pointing to is being able to say it graciously without diminishing either yourself or another.  At least that is where I am on this learning curve with the word “no”, and I suspect that you are there with me.

In order to be good with saying no, I am training myself to thoughtfully consider invitations and requests and decide whether the activity supports my purpose in life and in business.  By doing that, I am able to be gracious—most of the time. 

Key 10: “In the Next Society’s corporation, top management will be the company. Everything else can be outsourced.”

At first glance, this Key seems to be only related to business but upon consideration I think you could see that it also relates to our lives.  We are at a stage in our development of our Society that we can outsource anything from someone buying our groceries to washing the dog. 

I am sure that you can come up with many activities that you outsource now when a few years ago, there was no one to do it for you.  There are many clever people who offer services, reasonably so that you really don’t have to do something that needs attention, you can outsource it.  Essentially Key 9 and Key 10 are wedded.  Saying “no” to something and outsourcing the activity that needs to be done are downright compatible. 

And “no!” I don’t think that outsourcing activities is self-indulgent.  I think it makes good business and life sense.  Think about how much more effectively you can get your main job done.  You may even find that you will be more creative since you are freed up from doing stuff that needs to be done but that you hate doing!

I am really looking forward to hearing your comments about these 2 Keys.  I am particularly interested in where you get stuck saying “no” and what activities you realize you could easily outsource.

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