Is the Lone Wolf Mentality Dead?

“The individual is the central, rarest, most precious capital resource of our society”
--Peter F. Drucker

The lone wolf mentality is dead! It has been for some time. To be successful in today’s competitive work place it is paramount to build solid working relationships with others. To build these relationships, strong communication skills are needed.

Peter Drucker was one of the primary business critical thinkers of the twentieth century. Many of his management ideas have worked their way into conventional wisdom. Here is what the Harvard Business review said about him: “Father of modern management, social commentator, preeminent business philosopher, Peter F. Drucker has been writing about management for sixty years.”

Drucker has enormous respect for people. At times he has been known to ask more questions than deliver answers. His feelings on communication is clear.

“The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn’t being said.”
—Peter Drucker

This insightful statement says a great deal. We communicate in everything we say and do. Our words, body language and facial expressions are the common ways we communicate. Beyond that; the way we walk, dress, our attitude, disposition, and a wide array of other subtle, but powerful signals, communicate who we are and what we are about to others.

People who treat others with respect and dignity have far richer relationships than those who only see others as objects in their way, or as a means to an end.

To improve communication skills strong fundamental principles are required. The important ones are:

Principle # 1: Our uniqueness affects how we communicate with others.

Principle #2: A student of people mentality increases our ability to communicate with others.

Principle #3: Effective listening is an integral part of good communication.

Principle #4: Credibility, sincerity, honesty and respect are the cornerstones of a fine reputation.

Principle # 5: Carefully choose words and phrases when using remote forms of communication.

Principle #6: Helping others feel important will result in great service.

Principle #7: Conflicts are best managed by focusing on the issues rather than the individual.