Author Dr. William A. Cohen combines Peter Drucker’s philosophies with his own research on leadership to create a guide that will lead to a type of success that’s rooted in integrity and ethics. While much of the book is geared towards corporate situations, individuals will learn valuable information on setting any type of personal or work goal. The book is an excellent introduction to Drucker for those who may be unfamiliar with his books and methodologies on management and business success.
PETER DRUCKER’S WAY TO THE TOP: Lessons for Reaching Your Life’s Goals is a mix of examples that illustrate the ups and downs of following this success map. Cohen makes sure to show what happens when companies and individuals fail to take the necessary steps to fully understand what it takes to achieve success in lasting ways. Other chapters discuss techniques that can be used to affect client or employee behaviors. In one chapter, he notes that there are multiple types of influence that can direct behaviors towards a certain outcome. For example, Drucker suggested replacing the word “success” with the word “contribution” when discussing a person’s vocation or fulfillment of responsibility, noting that “contribution” leads to prosperity.
As the first graduate of Drucker’s doctoral program and a valued student and personal friend, Cohen had an excellent relationship with his subject and it shows in this book. Readers who may be intimidated by the thought of a dry business book will be happy to hear this one flows well without an excess of tech talk. It’s nearly impossible to read through the book without stopping to highlight quotes or make notations about ways to build self-confidence, deal with risk, or set any sort of goal. Cohen’s day job as President of the Institute of Leader Arts and old job as an Air Force General may have had an impact on his communication skills. This book makes readers who know little to nothing about Peter Drucker do more research into this man who led an interesting life, based on making ethical decisions at the right times, adjusting goals, and focusing on what would get him to his ultimate goals.
In PETER DRUCKER’S WAY TO THE TOP: Lessons for Reaching Your Life’s Goals, Dr. William A. Cohen shares anecdotes from Drucker’s life, combined with real world examples, to demonstrate principles that united unlikely individuals into teams or drove people to accomplish any goals they set.
~Sharon Wren for IndieReader