As someone who loves to read, I am always on the hunt for a good book. Recently, I have been rereading some books on leadership to glean new insights or to relearn some core concepts at a deeper level. One such book I have re-explored was written by Max De Pree and is called Leadership is an Art (Dell Publishing, 1990).
Inside this short book are three timeless insights that have gotten me thinking. The first insight is that leadership is the art of "abandoning oneself to the strengths of others”. Long before the Gallup Organization did their research on strengths based leadership, De Pree grasped the concept from his own experience. I love his use of the word “abandoning”. It makes the whole concept deeper and richer.
The second timeless insight is “The signs of outstanding leadership are found among the followers.” I have seen this numerous times and it is amazing. When followers are engaged, thoughtful, committed and collaborative, it is a reflection of a special working environment. And it points out that all involved have experienced some exceptional leadership.
The third timeless insight is the following: “the art of leadership: liberating people to do what is required of them in the most effective and humane way possible.” I love how De Pree frames up this definition as liberating people to do what is required. And at the exact same time, he defines the parameters for this action by the words “effective and humane.” Over the course of 35+ years, I have learned and relearned how powerful the action of liberation is for leaders and followers.
This is a wonderful book to read and I hope you touch base with it as we recover from this global pandemic. In the midst of our busy days, it is good to pause, reflect, and understand that there is the science of leadership, and that there is the art of leadership, too.
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