Death of a Coach

On November 11, 2005, at the age of 95, Peter F. Drucker died peacefully in his sleep at home.

Drucker's genius lay in his ability to find patterns among seemingly unconnected disciplines and to focus on opportunities rather than problems.  Asked how he came up with so many original insights, Drucker said, "I learn only through listening," pausing, "to myself."

It was never Drucker's style to bring people clear, concise answers to their problems but rather to frame questions that could uncover the larger issues standing in the way of performance.  "My job," he once lectured a client, "is to ask questions.  It's your job to provide answers."

Drucker never fit into the button-down stereotype of a management consultant.  He always worked from a home office filled with books and classical records on shelves that groaned under their weight.  He never had a secretary, answered the telephone himself and admitted he was something of a phone addict.

He responded to distracting requests with a preprinted postcard that read:  "Mr. Peter F. Drucker appreciates your kind interest, but is unable to: contribute articles or forewords, comment on manuscripts or books, take part in panels or symposia, join committees or boards of any kind, answer questionnaires, give interviews and appear on radio or television."  Yet, when asked to spend time with an unknown and unproven young person seeking his or her way in the world, Drucker freely gave the better part of a day to mentor and give guidance.

"One does not make a difference unless it is a difference in people's lives." Joseph Alois Schumpeter (1883-1950)

Source: John A. Byrne, Executive Editor, BusinessWeek, November 28, 2005