Adults Quote by Peter Drucker
“Innovative efforts should never report to line managers charged with responsibility for ongoing operations. The new project is an infant and will remain one for the foreseeable future, and infants belong in the nursery. The 'adults', that is, the executives in charge of existing businesses or products will have neither the time nor understanding for the infant.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Management: Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices, Peter Drucker, 1974
New initiatives need protection from day‑to‑day operational pressures to mature safely.
In simple terms: Protect new projects from routine managers.
Key Takeaway
Separate innovation from operations.
Themes
innovation
leadership
organization
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
advisory
policy
When to use this quote
- startup development
- product launch
- R&D
- organizational design
Key Concepts
strategic separation
resource allocation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can firms structure oversight for nascent projects?
- What safeguards prevent premature interference?
A Different Perspective
Executives may lack time to nurture early‑stage ideas.
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