Max De Pree Books

The essay "The Servant as Leader" by Bob Greenleaf stands out as a profound statement on leadership, offering insights that resonate deeply amidst a plethora of managerial literature. Peter M. Senge emphasizes its significance, urging serious leaders to engage with Greenleaf's ideas rather than other conventional texts. Max DePree highlights the growing momentum for enlightened leadership across various sectors, noting the scarcity of quality resources that address the values driving this movement. He considers the book a valuable gift for those who prioritize their responsibilities and relationships. M. Scott Peck shares examples of businesses that successfully utilized servant-leadership during crises, only to abandon these practices once challenges subsided. He points to the difficulty of embedding these principles into organizational culture. Jim Kouzes praises Greenleaf's legacy, asserting that true leaders recognize the power of purpose over position. Peter Block acknowledges Greenleaf's influence in integrating spirit and values into the workplace, ensuring his ideas remain relevant for future leaders. Over the past twenty-five years, Greenleaf's vision of servant-leadership has significantly impacted management theory, portraying leaders as those who empower others. This collection features key essays by Greenleaf and prominent thinkers like Peck and Senge, exploring the ethical use of power and the transformative po

In a foundational text for the business world, the former CEO of Herman Miller, Inc. delves into the leadership skills essential for creating a more profitable organization. This work has been influential across various fields, including academia, healthcare, and politics, selling over 800,000 copies since its 1989 debut. The revised edition presents Max De Pree's enduring insights to a new audience. He views leadership as stewardship, emphasizing the significance of relationships, innovative ideas, and a lasting value system within organizations. Rather than detailing the mechanics of corporate life, he focuses on the underlying principles. De Pree asserts that a leader's primary duty is to define reality, while their ultimate task is to express gratitude. Throughout this journey, the artful leader must: stimulate effectiveness by empowering individuals to realize their personal and institutional potential; advocate for civility and core values; and cultivate new leaders to sustain the corporate culture. This work provides a proven framework for success, encouraging the generous spirit inherent in everyone. Its insights and guidance are increasingly relevant for leaders across all sectors today.

Leadership in the workplace, says Max DePree, is like playing jazz; it's more an art than a science. Today's successful managers are attuned to the needs and ideas of their followers and even step aside at times to be followers themselves. As a result, they spark vitality and productivity from their work force. They culivate communication and spontaneity, diversity and creativity, and the unique potential of every person in the organization to contribute to the success of the team. In Leadership Jazz you'll learn-How to hold people accountable but still give them space to make mistakes.- How to balance the needs of your employees with those of the company.- How to inspire change and innovation and maintain a sense of stability.- How to practice the art of delegation.- How to work constructively with creative people.- How to assess candidates for senior positions.- And much more!