It takes far more energy and work from incompetence to mediocrity than it takes to improve from first-rate performance to excellence.įor the mathematically inclined, think about the relationship between skill and effort as a logarithmic curve. One should waste as little effort as possible on improving areas of low competence.

However, to be successful in the workplace: There’s something to be said about a person who knows something about everything (a dilettante, if you will). This understanding of self can lead you to a position where you can optimize both your happiness at work and your contributions to society.Īfter identifying our strengths, we also have to be strategic in how we improve. “Know thyself” as the ancient Greek aphorism goes. When we find ourselves in a position that don’t align well with our strengths, interests, or values, it can be hard to keep engaged at work and instead go through the motions to accomplish the bare minimum. It’s up to you to carve out your place, to know when to change course, and to keep yourself engaged and productive during a work life that may span some 50 years. In the article, Drucker makes a case for individuals taking charge of their own careers, especially working in the Information Age as part of the “ knowledge economy.” He says, Rather he was driven to create “a functioning society” built atop effective and responsible institutions comprising engaged and productive individuals. The interesting thing about his mission is that he wasn’t all about corporate management and business per se. I recently discovered the article, Managing Oneself, written by “the man who invented management,” Peter Drucker ( alternative link in case of paywall). Success in the knowledge economy comes to those who know themselves–their strengths, their values, and how they best perform.

Peter drucker's managing oneself