This book is clearly intended to capture the essence of the prolific writing of Peter Drucker in over 25 of his books. As such, Maciariello, the editor of the text, has selected excerpts and quotes from Drucker's writing which are presented as 366 major topic areas for the reader to reflect and take action on. The intended readership covers students, managers or business people who are interested in their own learning and personal and professional development. The text is also relevant to trainers and developers seeking to understand the wider implications of corporate and worldwide change and social comment.
The book is organised as a monthly calendar of major topics broken down into daily readings representing the 365 days of the year. The 366th day is presented as a bonus (taking account of the 29th February). Each reading starts with a theme, a direct quote from Drucker and is then followed by a “teaching” Each of these is generally one paragraph of script. In his introduction to the book Maciariello compliments Drucker on his ability to “write a short paragraph or single sentence that cuts through the clutter and messiness of a complex world”
Having presented the theme, each reading has an action point arising which the reader can apply either to themselves or their organisation. This is followed by a blank space for reader comment and follow up action. The original source or sources and references of Drucker's writing are identified by book or internet module and the text also contains an annotated and up to date bibliography.
While the major themes of the book are too numerous to cover in a short book review, key areas are:
leadership and management;
business purpose;
world economy;
changing society;
innovation and entrepreneurship;
decision making;
changing workforce;
knowledge working in a knowledge society;
e‐commerce;
individual development; and
performance management.
Choice of topic is entirely up to the interest by the reader in specific areas and the book is essentially a dip in, dip out resource. Drucker himself describes this as an action book where readers can add their own actions, decisions and the results of these decisions, at the end of each reading and teaching. The text is a mixture of philosophy, economics and leadership/management written in Druckers distinctive and observational style. As such it is thought provoking read. The limitations of the book are that once you have read your selected items, taken action and reviewed the action, it is unlikely that you will return a second time … unless you pass the book on to a colleague or friend. In summary, the book presents some unique insights and is possibly also unique in terms of the structure and purpose of the content. An “interesting” concept and good value for money for what it is.
