Book Review: Leadership Is An Art

I love the opening sentences under the chapter What IS Leadership? “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you.” Another nugget right at the beginning; “It also helps us to understand that for many of us there is a fundamental difference between goals and rewards.” And these are just in the first 11 pages!

Mr. DePree is dedicated to amazing leadership in his company, the next generation of leaders as the company strives to maintain its excellent reputation, and ultimately, mentoring up-and-coming leaders through speaking and writing. This book shares his many years’ of experience along with some very thought-provoking stories.

In the 1920’s, the company’s then-president visited the widow of his millwright. This man was a key person in overseeing the work cycle of the equipment to make the furniture. At his home, the widow shared some poetry in memory of her husband. The poet was the millwright. Was this a millwright who wrote poetry, or a poet who worked as a millwright? Do we know our people?! 

Another moving story was an unexpected event during an Easter Sunday church service. You really should read this (page 45). Then consider, do you have Roving Leadership on your team? There are many practical solutions and many compelling questions for you as you consider those you lead, whether at work, at home, or in the community. You simply MUST read this book! – CMW