The Five Most Important Questions
On Wednesday I will be participating in a unique training experience on “The Drucker 5.” In 1993, Peter Drucker wrote about 5 key assessment questions for non-profits. Recently these questions have been republished in an inspiring tool with multiple contributors. There is some additional info here.
Here are the five questions:
1) What is our mission?
2) Who is our customer?
3) What does the customer value?
4) What are our results?
5) What is our plan?
An interesting side note is that although I was unaware of this content at the time I wrote Church Unique, I too ask five questions as the pathway to ultimate clarity. There is an interesting sense of shared “irreducible minimums” between Drucker’s questions and mine, with mine being more fine-tuned for the local church.
My favorite quote from the book:
“Doesn’t logic tell us that the simple questions should also be easiest to answer? No. Simple questions can be profound and answering them requires us to make stark and honest- and sometimes painful- self assessments. “
Great stuff…but what is the unique training exercise?
mark
Drucker’s book is awesome. I read it at the time and have found his insights incredible.
It is Drucker who has taught me much about asking those simple but deep questions. And, importantly, to not settle for a superficial or quick answer.
Very cool, Will, to see how your questions map on Druckers…and, as you point out, fine-tuned for the local church.
As I understand it, Drucker was profoundly touched by folks from Fuller Seminary, late in his life. He also applied his skills to the broad non-profit world. From the Girl Scouts to NGOs to churches.
Have a great time in St Louis, Will. Neat town.
Mark- The meeting was at the invitation of some folks at leadership network- I will let you know more about after I go.
Joe- I appreciate your mind and heart! Yes It is interesting to see Drucker’s passion move toward non-profits.