In 1999, the renowned management consultant Peter Drucker penned a seminal article for Harvard Business Review titled “Managing Oneself”. Drucker’s timeless wisdom continues to resonate even 26 years later, as he outlined a five-question process for self-management that remains relevant today:
- What are my strengths? Drucker emphasized the importance of self-reflection by tracking key outcomes and identifying personal strength performance patterns. Understanding your strengths is crucial for personal and professional growth.
- How do I work? Recognizing your work style preferences, whether you are a reader or a listener, a soloist or a team player, can help you align your tasks with your strengths and preferences.
- What are my values? Aligning your personal values with those of your organization is essential for long-term satisfaction and success. If there is a disconnect, it may be time to reassess your role.
- Where do I belong? Finding alignment between your strengths, work style, values, and organizational role is key to excelling in your chosen field.
- What can I contribute? Assessing what you can uniquely bring to the table and leveraging your strengths, values, and work style can lead to impactful contributions.
While Drucker’s insights are invaluable, the landscape of human performance and life has evolved since 1999. Here are some additional self-management practices to complement Drucker’s advice:
- Sustain your strengths: Focus on maintaining your physical and mental well-being through proper nutrition, exercise, quality sleep, continuous learning, and nurturing strong relationships.
- Give yourself space to work: In the digital age, it’s crucial to take regular breaks to recharge and reflect, allowing your brain to process information and generate fresh insights.
- Honor your principles and values: Amidst societal challenges, reaffirming your guiding principles can provide clarity and direction in navigating complex issues.
- Align purpose with performance: Define your personal purpose and ensure it aligns with your organization’s mission for a sense of meaning and momentum in your work.
- Contribute with sustainability in mind: Create a contribution map that outlines results you can influence across work, home, and community, balancing meaningful contributions with long-term sustainability.
Incorporating these additional self-management practices alongside Drucker’s timeless advice can enhance your effectiveness in managing yourself in today’s fast-paced world. Share your own best practices for self-management and continue striving to lead and live at your best.