The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said.

Sometimes called “the inventor of modern management,” prominent Austrian American business consultant Peter Drucker advised countless key figures of the American economy throughout the last half of the 20th century. His groundbreaking philosophy advanced the idea that business could be both profitable and socially responsible, and his teachings have helped revolutionize the landscape and practice of modern business management. At the forefront of Drucker’s principles was the understanding that the business world is driven by people — and that the key to success is understanding those people. In a 1989 interview with Bill Moyers, Drucker explained that communication is about more than just applying our own significance to someone else’s words; it’s about working to understand their unique perspective and priorities. Drucker’s belief is a reminder that the willingness to observe and appreciate our differences can go a long way toward fostering mutual understanding and support.