|
by Robert Malone, Contributing Editor   | Abstract: | Good business gurus are a rare and valuable breed, and we should honor them. They change us, and they change the world. |
Business gurus seem to enjoy long, productive lives. Perhaps their longevity has something to do with their ever-changing and volatile subject matter. Business guru Peter Drucker died in 2005 at age 95; W. Edwards Deming died in 1993 at age 93; and Joseph Juran is alive in 2007 at age 102. Drucker was known for suggesting that workers should take part in corporate decision-making. This was a startling idea when he introduced it, and it still is to many people. In fact, this idea has yet to be put into practice at many organizations. Drucker also said, "Don't ask what do we need to sell, but what do people want to buy?" What audacity, what nerve — and what a good idea. Deming stated that continuous incremental improvement in a process, such as manufacturing, is a rich goal to pursue. He also said it is important for everyone in a company to know the company's intentions. This is another example of nerve, audacity — and a good idea. [Click to continue] |