In the revised edition of Management, Peter Drucker, a thinker and the first executive coach who was always ahead of his time, called management a liberal art:

Management is thus what tradition used to call a liberal art: ">the first executive coach who was always ahead of his time, called management a liberal art:

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Management is thus what tradition used to call a liberal art: "liberal" because it deals with the fundamentals of knowledge, self knowledge, wisdom and leadership; "art" because it is practice and application.  Managers [should] draw on all the knowledge and insights of the humanities and the social sciences--on psychology and philosophy, on economics and history, on ethics as well as on the physical sciences.  But they have to focus this knowledge on effectiveness and results--on healing a sick patient, teaching a student, building a bridge, designing and selling a "user friendly" software program. (Drucker, 2008, p. 25)

Source: Joseph A. Maciariello: Drucker’s Lost Art of Management: Peter Drucker’s Timeless Vision for Building Effective Organizations

Carrie:  Whether by choice or circumstance, many of my friends and colleagues spent summer 2010 making dramatic career transitions and life changing decisions. 

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Take the time to identify and learn about the things that are new and/or scary to you because these things might be most meaningful and vital to your future plans....

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Two friends were laid off from jobs they’d held for decades. Several moms decided that spending time with their kids was more important than a big salary or management position. 

One friend decided that after 10 years of running her own business, she’d like to pursue an entirely new path. And a friend in her 60s decided to take the risk and change jobs with the hope that she’d finally find the job satisfaction that had eluded her all her life.

When I asked these women for their advice to others who are considering or actually going through career transitions, here’s what they said:

1. Seek out help and guidance. Each of my friends talked about how they initially felt alone and uncertain. But when they started asking for help, they found that people of all career stages wanted them to succeed and were willing to share, mentor, and guide. Start asking for help in the beginning of your transition process; don’t wait until you are in a crisis.

 

2. Try “experiments” to test your new path. In her book “Working Identity,” Herminia Ibarra recommends that you identify short term projects or “experiments” that can help you to get a feel for a new line of work, gain experience in a new field, and make connections with others who are doing what you want to do. ...

3. Learn about what you don’t know and recognize what scares you. ...Take the time to identify and learn about the things that are new and/or scary to you because these things might be most meaningful and vital to your future plans....

4. Understand that life is just a series of transitions. Each of my friends said they felt reassured when they realized that life is always changing, and they were free to adapt, evolve, and seek out what was best for them...

Carrie Hensel is co-founder and CEO of Inner Circle Media and Co-Founder and President of the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw.

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The full video of the terrific 2010 WXW Spring Conference is here. I'm after the 2:40 mark:

EXCERPTED:

...some alarming trends...

Over 78% of leaders report feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious. These leaders went on to say that the corporate mood has been so focused on "survival" and cost containment that any focus on personal well- being, development, or inspiration is non-existent.

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...The continued mantra of "more with less" has worn our leaders down and created a culture of "today" based thinking and "organization first and individual last."

2010 must be different.

...organizations must make leadership investment and development in 2010 a corporate priority.

...Organizations must move from the "survival is good" ...into the "hey, we made it and together we can make it better" mode. W

…What are you going to do in 2010 to re-motivate, re-inspire, and re-charge your recession weary leaders?

Reference:  www.reveln.com