Leadership Is an Art

by DePree, Max

• ISBN13: 9780385512466
• ISBN10: 0385512465
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-05-18
• Publisher: Currency

Summary

LEADERSHIP IS AN ART has long been a must-read not only within the business community but also in professions ranging from academia to medical practices, to the political arena. First published in 1989, the book has sold more than 800,000 copies in hardcover and paperback. This revised edition brings Max De Pree's timeless words and practical philosophy to a new generation of readers.De Pree looks at leadership as a kind of stewardship, stressing the importance of building relationships, initiating ideas, and creating a lasting value system within an organization. Rather than focusing on the "hows" of corporate life, he explains the "whys." He shows that the first responsibility of a leader is to define reality and the last is to say thank you. Along the way, the artful leader must: Stimulate effectiveness by enabling others to reach both their personal potential and their institutional potential Take a role in developing, expressing, and defending civility and values Nurture new leaders and ensure the continuation of the corporate culture LEADERSHIP IS AN ART offers a proven design for achieving success by developing the generous spirit within all of us. Now more than ever, it provides the insights and guidelines leaders in every field need.

Author Biography

<p>MAX DE PREE is chairman emeritus of Herman Miller, Inc., the primary innovator in the furniture business for sixty years and regularly included as one of <i>Fortune</i>’s 25 Most Admired Companies in the United States. The author of the bestselling <i>Leadership Jazz</i>,<i> </i>as well as <i>Leading Without Power</i>, <i>Called to Serve</i>,<i> </i>and<i> Dear Zoe</i>,<i> </i>De Pree has been mentoring emerging leaders in both the profit and non—profit sectors for more than twenty years, and was elected by <i>Fortune</i> magazine to the National Business Hall of Fame.</p>

Table of Contents

Preface
Foreword : history, leadership, and a vision for corporate life
The millwright died	p. 7
What is leadership?	p. 11
Participative premises	p. 23
Theory fastball	p. 31
Roving leadership	p. 45
Intimacy	p. 53
Whither capitalism?	p. 63
Giant tales	p. 73
Tribal storytelling	p. 81
Who owns this place?	p. 93
Communicate!	p. 101
Pink ice in the urinal	p. 109
What's next?	p. 113
Some thoughts for CEOs who build buildings	p. 121
To make one vice president, mix well ...	p. 129
Why should I weep?	p. 135
The marks of elegance	p. 141
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.