Leadership Is an Art - by Max de Pree (Paperback)

About the Book

First published in 1989, this revised edition of Max DePree's timeless words brings his practical philosophy to a new generation of readers. Now more than ever, it provides necessary insights and guidelines to leaders in every field.

Book Synopsis

In what has become a bible for the business world, the successful former CEO of Herman Miller, Inc., explores how executives and managers can learn the leadership skills that build a better, more profitable organization.

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.

Review Quotes

"This is a wonderful book. It captures Max's spirit--and he's a truly exceptional person. But it also says more about leadership in clearer, more elegant, and more convincing language than many of the much longer books that have been published on the subject."--Peter F. Drucker

"His opus is as worthy as scripture."--New York Times Book Review

"Like the elegant furniture his company makes, De Pree's book provides a valuable lesson in grace, style, and the elements of success."--Time

"Leadership Is an Art is one of the best books I have ever read in my life on the subject of leadership and business management philosophy."--Sam Walton

"Perhaps we should banish all of our management books except Max De Pree's recent gem, Leadership Is an Art. The successful Herman Miller, Inc., chairman . . . . writes only about trust, grace, spirit, and love . . . . such concerns are the essence of organizations, small or large."--Inc. magazine

About the Author

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 Fortune's 25 Most Admired Companies in the United States. The author of the bestselling Leadership Jazz, as well as Leading Without Power, Called to Serve, and Dear Zoe, De Pree has been mentoring emerging leaders in both the profit and non--profit sectors for more than twenty years, and was elected by Fortune magazine to the National Business Hall of Fame.