Peter F. Drucker final day recording of three-day seminar for the “Fifty Top Managers of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.” at their Macy’s Conference Center. Frances Hesselbein begins the talk discussing what she believes to be her greatest accomplishment jointly with Peter F. Drucker, identifying “managing for the mission” as the first major accomplishment on her list. Next, she recognizes the cohesion, unity, and growth of the organization, alongside its expanding diversity, as the second accomplishment. She then highlights the strong volunteer board, as well as staff, which have checked battles on status within the organization. Drucker then inquires what the most important/effective things were that the governing board of the Girl Scouts did to reach its goals. Hesselbein comments that the most important thing is to ask whether a decision benefits the Girl Scouts--if not, the decision should be abandoned. Relatedly, the board must determine the strategic vision for the organization. After determining the mission and goals, Hesselbein states that the next most important thing is how to deploy the people. Last, she identifies being close to councils--communicating in every possible way--as the necessary step to complete the process. In terms of what does not work in the Girl Scouts, Hesselbein says that the more constituents are included in the development of programs and resources, the more acceptable and successful they are. Hesselbein then states that one should not assume that all of the bright ideas and wisdom are lodged in management circles, groups, and the board. The best ideas come from multiple sources. In particular, input from the grassroots is a fundamental part of the process of management. Business practices must be tailored to the team approach. Hesselbein identifies one of her greatest frustrations as the inability to manage the perceived threats designed to meet the special needs of girls, specifically, issues that have developed with the Boy Scouts. She identifies another threat as that posed by the management of time, specifically, how to manage time for everything she needs to do and wants to do. Hesselbein then identifies the greatest challenge to the Girl Scouts as really understanding changes in demographics, and viewing such changes as an enormous opportunity to serve in new and more important ways as never before, rather than as a threat. Equal access is critical for all, according to Hesselbein, and equal access must mean equal access across the board. Additionally, adult members of the Girl Scouts should be provided as many continuing education opportunities of any institution in the country. Last, the Girl Scouts should not dissipate its energies, and should stay firm in its organization vision and principles. Drucker then presents his closing remarks, stating that one of the most important things he heard was that there is a great deal of unity and collaboration in Girl Scouts endeavors. Next, he encourages the Girl Scouts not to be apologetic about the fact that it is a service organization. It is very important, Drucker states, for the Girl Scouts to be service-oriented in its operations. Next, Drucker emphasizes that the growing pains and persistent challenges of diversity are not new, and that they must be dealt with honestly if there is to be progress. Drucker then highlights the importance of change in organizations and being sure to allocate human resources where they can have results. Making sure that time is watched closely, and that people can move and work effectively, is important. Drucker concludes by stressing that the most important thing to take away from the seminar is that one should stop doing something that is ineffective in their occupation.
Drucker, Peter F. (Peter Ferdinand), 1909-2005 New York University New York University. Graduate School of Business Administration Hesselbein, Frances Seminars Seminars and conferences Macy's (Firm) Girl Scouts of the United States of America Management Management by objectives Cohesion Organizational Innovation Diversity Volunteer Volunteers Communication Threats Demographics Demographic transition Equality Boy Scouts of America Continuing education Time Time management Human resources Organizational change Edith Macy Conference Center Unity Councils Equal access Service organization Symposia
Source
Original recording, April 1989; Drucker Archives; Box 68
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