Drucker & Me: What a Texas Entrepenuer Learned From the Father of Modern Management

by Bob Buford

In 1982 a young, ambitious East Texas entrepreneur, whose business is growing at double-digit rates, decides there must be more the life. So, oddly enough, he writes a letter to the man whose books he most treasures—Peter R. Drucker, father of modern management theory and practice. As they met over the years, Buford sees that "Drucker is to management what Shakespeare is to literature." Their relationship progresses from paid consultant to mentor and close friend. Drucker & Me tells how two men discover a mutual passion and strategy that will literally change the world. Their disappointment with corporate America leads them to embrace the non-profit sector, including one of the most important developments in the last 30 years—the mega church movement. Believing non-profit organizations change lives, they begin work with Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and others to design a new management model for non-profits in the 20th century.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Biography, Nonfiction

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Buford was 42 and head of his family's broadcast business, he sent Drucker a letter, asking for a day of consult. Drucker agreed and that was the beginning of a 23 year relationship. Buford shows us the human side of the management guru. Buford also includes how Drucker's ideas helped him on the human side of living life. Buford established the Leadership Network, where up and coming pastors experienced Drucker. Buford was also instrumental is forming the Drucker Institute. This is a good look at Drucker the man and his influence on Buford.
See my full review at http://bit.ly/1iinzhh.
i received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seems to be split into two parts.

Part 1: Drucker the Mentor

I loved the first half of this book. Seeing Drucker as Mentor to a business executive was great. Buford's experiences were welcomingly human. I felt like I would feel the same way he did meeting Drucker for the first time.

Part 2: Buford The Megachurch Catalyst

All about how Buford decided to devote his life to Christianity by helping build MegaChurches. The tone of the book changed from student mentor, to spread christianity to the masses using Drucker's keen insight into management and leadership principles. Interesting, and some what applicable to other areas of expertise, but not what I was hoping for out of this book.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated: C-
Bob Buford might be a saint -- certainly his actions prove his heart is in the right place. However, I came away with the sense that the book should have been entitled: Me & Peter.

[Josh Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Less a book on Drucker and more a book about the author. He pulled me in with my interest for Drucker, but I finished feeling like I didn't get what I was looking for.

[Harrywei · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author from his book < halftime >, I bought it in Chinese edition when I attend the seminary a few years ago.
I like Bob Buford very much, he doesn't look like traditional successful Americans, who usually confident, strong self-esteem, talking a lot and showing off a lot, Bob look more introvert, a little shy ( although he is a successful business man), not outgoing, not oppressive, a modest nice guy , and he likes to help others, he prefer providing platform to being the center of the show, he believes what he are doing is following God's orders, " the fruit of your work grows on other people's trees".
I read a lot of Drucker's book when I was in china, he indeed the father of modern management, and as the author said, the book of Drucker is for the boss, entrepreneur, and people of the board, not for the professor of the college, he focus on the result, and not on the problems.
I totally agree with this ideas, when you make the decision, the 90% of the result is destined ; so when you try to balance in the process, you find it's too hard to change the path; this is why Drucker and Bob focus on the "islands of strength" the mega-church, and not on the falling island, even the latter is bigger.
the following sentences are from the books, which I like the most.
* From that same observation post he was one of the first to foresee the emergence of the information economy as well as the rise of new “superpowers” such as China, India, and South America.
* Fiction teaches you about human beings---how they think, how they behave, what's important to them. I'm more interested in people than I am in how business work. (page 45)
* as the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard put it: “The only way to avoid despair is to have faith that, in God’s time,time and eternity become one. That both life and death are meaningful.”
* Peter taught me to never try turning an oboe player into a violinist. I learned from him not to complain about people’s weaknesses but to always focus on their strengths and move them into areas where those strengths can thrive.
* but the whispering continued: Is my work still the center of my life? What is my truest purpose? My destiny? What does it really mean to have it all? What would my life look like if it really turned out well?
* Most people can only do one thing really well, and once they identify that one thing and give themselves completely to it, they are the people who make the biggest difference in the world.
* “Never forget that the kingdom is not of this world and that you are not substituting for a labor union.”
* ople want to know my secrets of success,” he once told me. “But the truth is, I’ve learned doing, and I’ve learned more from my failures than from my successes.”
* an important Drucker principle: Good intentions are not enough; always measure the results of your efforts to make sure you are getting the most out of your investment of time and resources. 良好动机并不够，关注结果。
* It was Peter who taught me that leaders do not start with the question ‘What do I want to do?’he once told me. “Instead, great leaders always ask, ‘What needs to be done?’ ”

* Opportunity meets a prepared mind.
* Peter Drucker,” he began. “I have a final question, and I hope you will humor me and not consider me too greedy. You have lived a life and focused intensely on life and how it’s lived. Now you’re ninety-five. What about an afterlife? What about God? How do you think about the transition that you are inevitably approaching?”
peter did not hesitate. Well, I happen to be a very conventional, traditional Christian. Period! And I don’t think about it. I am told! It’s not my job to think about it. My job is to say, ‘Yes sir!’ ”
“That must be very comforting,” Ashbrook commented.”
It is, and I say every morning and every evening, ‘Praise be to God for the beauty of his creation. Amen.’ ”
The Bible says that each of us has a life task “prepared beforehand that we should walk in” (St. Paul in Ephesians 2:10). King David, in my favorite Psalm, declares:
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb . . . am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well . . .
When I was made in secret . . .
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them. (Psalms 139:13–16)
* Leadership Network never sought to be out in front. In fact, the goal was to fly under the radar of other groups. Instead, they sought to make the clients leaders and churches the stars, not the group, and certainly not Buford. Being behind the scenes was exactly the intended role—to be the platform and not the show.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter F. Drucker was no ordinary mortal. He was a writer, professor, management consultant and self-described “social ecologist.” The BusinessWeek hailed him as “the man who invented management,” and Drucker directly swayed a large number of leaders from a wide spectrum of organizations across all sectors of society. Among the many: General Electric, IBM, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Girl Scouts of the USA, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Farm Workers and several presidential administrations.

Drucker & Me: How Peter Drucker and a Texas Entrepreneur Conspired to Change the World by Bob Buford is the enthralling and persuasive story of two men who transformed and altered the world of non-profit organizations. It is a bond that lasted well for twenty-three-year between the Austrian-born 'father of modern management' with a penchant for Japanese-art, and a well-off Texas cable TV operator and passionate Dallas Cowboys supporter.

On the other side, Bob Buford, is a cable-TV magnate turned philanthropist. Buford inherited his small family business in Tyler, Texas after his mother died in a fire. By his early 40s Buford felt overwhelmed. He reached out to Drucker for help, and Drucker & Me tells how the two men discover a mutual passion and strategy that will literally change the world. By his mid-50s, Buford was more financially successful than he’d ever dreamed he’d be.

Thanks to Bob Buford’s wonderful book, Peter Drucker comes to life again. Drucker & Me is in the style of Tuesdays With Morrie and The Last Lecture. It also includes Buford’s fascinating reminiscences of his time with Drucker.

[Michael Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tender book about the relationship between Bob Buford and Peter Drucker, and how Drucker influenced Buford to influence others through developing the Leadership Network in his second-half of life. There are many good management principles expressed throughout, and you learn much about the influence of Drucker and Buford on the mega-church movement. It's sad, however, that Drucker didn't have the passion for Jesus that he had for management principles and "saving the world." Buford states on page 151, "For Peter did not think it was his job to spread the gospel. His mission was the help save society." With all of his great wisdom concerning management, and helpful principles he shared with the church, this is one that Drucker got wrong. Jesus has already done enough to "save society." Whatever we do to make this world better - and we should seek to do that - Jesus is the Savior. He makes this world much better through us following His example of love and sacrifice, but, ultimately, through His death on the cross and resurrection, He can be our Savior for eternity. This is the message that He commanded us to share with others as we minister to their needs. The social gospel, without the true gospel, misses the point of His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, coming again, judgment, kingdom and the new heavens and earth. He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
By the way - not sure why this hardcover edition uses this subtitle. My book has the one that kindle edition uses is on the cover of the picture to the book .

[Jo-Ann Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book in the Goodreads giveaways. I was a bit disappointed in this book. It really was less about Drucker and more about "me".

It was a quick easy read but I don't think I really learned much from the book. I wish he had given more specifics, everything seemed very general.

For fans of Peter Drucker, I am sure the personal insight is appreciated. For those not well acquainted with his work, this book may ignite some interest in him. For me, I found it a bit light and superficial from someone who was supposed to be a best friend.

[Jon Goodwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book that is full of wisdom from Bothe Peter Drucker and Bob Buford. A fun book for those who are students of Drucker. The last couple of chapters did feel a bit like Buford was doing a sales pitch on the organizations that he is involved in. I imagine that some who read this book will find that to be a bit annoying.

[D.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a great leader mentoring a businessman, and helping him become a strong social leader. It’s not really a companion to the short management and leadership books, but would be a nice read for those who like that genre.

[Dan Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Fascinating tidbits.

[Hannelene Mostert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened possibilities for me - in myself. It inspired me to be more.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Drucker was an amazing man and his contributions to management are many. I was unaware that we contributed so much to the modern church.

[Mike Shaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m don’t recommend. The author REALLY likes himself.

Not much insight on Peter Drucker.

[Randall Hartman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found myself more impressed with the secular business guru than the entrepreneur who took his methods for growing the church rather than consulting God’s word and His instructions on how He will grow His church. The first portion of the book that chronicles the humility and down-to-earth nature of one of the most famous and respected business consultants is much more helpful than its misguided application to the church.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drucker & Me is written by Bob Buford in autobiographical form about Bob Buford and the business/life coach Peter Drucker.

This book was an interesting read for me. The book's first half felt like a really intimate look at the relationship between Peter Drucker and Bob Buford. It was a very enlightening read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish the book would have stopped about halfway through.

The second half of the book had trouble holding my interest. The book's tone shifted more into Bob Buford himself after the death of Peter Drucker and building up his religious empire. It got a little religiously pushy and boring to read for me personally, but I’m not a huge religious book reader in general.

The half of the book that deals with Peter Drucker was more than worth reading. Peter Drucker sounds like he was just an amazing man. The way that Bob Buford was able to capture their relationship was very eye-opening to read. I felt blessed to be given such an intimate look at some of the personal advice that Bob was given. It was almost as if reading this relationship through the pages was being touched by Peter himself. Of course, this description probably fits into who Peter was as a person. I honestly felt a twinge of sadness at the loss of a man I had never even met. It felt like a travesty that the world would be deprived of someone so large-minded and inspiring. I know that I will be looking into more of Peter Drucker’s later writings to connect with him and learn from him even after his life.

I give this book 4/5 stars. I wish it was merely a part one because it would be 6/5 stars for the wealth of knowledge that has been shared with this look into Peter Drucker, eloquently told by Bob Buford. However, the second half of the book took away from this message so much for me that it was almost blasphemous for the first half. Unless you are interested in megachurches and a lot of self-touting, I suggest stopping after part one. If you are interested in autobiographies, biographies, mentorship, non-fiction, advice, etc. I highly suggest checking out this book.

[Ken Okajima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories are great ways to learn truth. Jesus used them and here Bob Buford captures how mentorship can bring out the 100x latent potential in his life and those that he invests in. What made the book thoroughly captivating was I have been influenced directly and indirectly by Peter Drucker's investment in Bob Buford and those who Bob Buford poured into or created access to Drucker's arsenal of wisdom. First, since the early 90's thanks to my pastor at the time, Donald Moy and encouraging friends, Dave and Betty HoSang and the Norm and Joanne Jung, I have had the opportunity to attend a multitude of leadership summits with Bill Hybels. Joining Newsong staff in 1998, I had the unbelievable opportunity to be part of the Leadership Network/Burning Bush group for three years which was funded by Bob Buford and Phil Anshultz, and was in those round table discussions with most of the people quoted throughout the book and in the "friends" section. I have also participated in the three year Master's Program led by Bob Shank, another Bob Buford mentee and currently attend Saddleback, also with Drucker's fingerprints evident in Rick Warren's leadership. There are many more touch points that I could elaborate on, but suffice to say my ministry and life have been impacted by mentoring which traces it roots to Peter Drucker. May the lives of those that I get to pour into be as rich, purposeful and energized as the world is saved. As I reflect on this, I am having a Forest Gump moment similar to what I just read in the first chapter of James Smith's The Good and Beautiful God. Time to pray and go to bed...

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter F. Drucker was no ordinary mortal. He was a writer, professor, management consultant and self-described “social ecologist.” The BusinessWeek hailed him as “the man who invented management,” and Drucker directly swayed a large number of leaders from a wide spectrum of organizations across all sectors of society. Among the many: General Electric, IBM, Intel, Procter & Gamble, Girl Scouts of the USA, The Salvation Army, Red Cross, United Farm Workers and several presidential administrations.

Drucker & Me: How Peter Drucker and a Texas Entrepreneur Conspired to Change the World
by Bob Buford is the enthralling and persuasive story of two men who transformed and altered the world of non-profit organizations. It is a bond that lasted well for twenty-three-year between the Austrian-born 'father of modern management' with a penchant for Japanese-art, and a well-off Texas cable TV operator and passionate Dallas Cowboys supporter.

On the other side, Bob Buford, is a cable-TV magnate turned philanthropist. Buford inherited his small family business in Tyler, Texas after his mother died in a fire. By his early 40s Buford felt overwhelmed. He reached out to Drucker for help, and Drucker & Me tells how the two men discover a mutual passion and strategy that will literally change the world. By his mid-50s, Buford was more financially successful than he’d ever dreamed he’d be.

Thanks to Bob Buford’s wonderful book, Peter Drucker comes to life again. Drucker & Me is in the style of Tuesdays With Morrie and The Last Lecture. It also includes Buford’s fascinating reminiscences of his time with Drucker.

[Rusty Fulling · Rating 5 out of 5]

One my favorite author's over the past 5 years has been Bob Buford. I was first introduced to Mr. Buford's writing through his book Halftime:Moving from Success to Significance.

In one of his latest books, Drucker & Me, Bob Buford tells the compelling story of an unlikely, 23-year friendship between the Austrian-born 'father of modern management' who loves Japanese-art, and a wealthy Texas cable TV operator and ardent Dallas Cowboys fan. Under-the-radar they organize meetings with an elite list of leaders to revolutionize the world of non-profit organizations.



Drucker & Me tells how two men discover a mutual passion and strategy that will literally change the world. Their disappointment with corporate America leads them to embrace the non-profit sector, including one of the most important developments in the last 30 years 14the mega church movement. Believing non-profit organizations change lives, they begin work with Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and others to design a new management model for non-profits in the 20th century.

[Skylar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful, engaging, fascinating. A quick, pleasant read you could do in one sitting. I knew OF Drucker, but not much ABOUT him. I thought this was a great intro to his philosophy and history, and now I'm excited to learn more! I thought management theory was pretty divorced from my mindful, holistic ideals, and it sounds like Drucker was decades ahead of his time and a perfect fit for today's business practices. The book has a lot of content about evangelical Christianity, but I could see how those parts are applicable to the bigger picture idea, even though I am not a Christian. I was lucky enough to win a free copy of this from Goodreads with the hope that I would write an honest review. Thankfully for the author, I liked the book!

[Jeff Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Buford wrote an amazing book about his encounters with Peter Drucker.

Peter Drucker was a mentor to Bob Buford. When you further examine there long term connection a lot what was shared is very similar to what one gets from a life or business coach.

Bob Buford was so inspired by the knowledge he learned that he formed an organization to help Christian leaders learn about management and entrepreneurship called the Leadership Network.

Just imagine sitting with a legend and gaining amazing wisdom. Bob Buford experienced that with his encounters with Peter Drucker at his modest home that Bob Buford referred. Practical but life changing.

There is a lot to be learned but one of the most amazing, as we move forward in technology, don't lose out on the human touch.

[Jonathan E. Sickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

Peter Drucker is widely known as the father of modern management. What is not widely known is the multiplier effect he helped catalyze through his relationship with Bob Buford. Both of them had significant influence in shaping the effectiveness of church growth pioneers such as Hybels, Warren, and Pope to name a few. This book is full of timeless insight!

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew there would be a church-twist in this story of two highly successful men, working together to change the world?! I loved the ways in which this book gave special attention to Drucker's value system as a business-minded genius.

[Paul Tanton]

Excellent book providing a very up close and personal view into the life of one of the fore runners of modern management, through another passionate social entrepreneur and successful businessman.

The bottom line, its all about people, if you miss that you miss the whole picture.

[Lori Ben-ezra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Goodreads for this wonderful little book. I enjoyed and benefitted from this account of the author's account of his relationship with Peter Drucker. I already ordered a copy of another book by the same author.

[T.J. Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book. Not sure I would take the time to read again, but was worth the first read.

[Oswaldo Rhyslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is brought in a personal way and give a new way to see Peter Drucker's life in addition with full of lesson we could take from beneficial and useful friendship! Awe-spiring!