Leadership is an Art - Obligations

The book Leadership is an Art by Max De Pree, is the single book that has had profound influence on my leadership style. I'm fortunate enough to lead some of the most outstanding and humble folks and the ideas of the book has helped me to make a small difference in their lives. I'll share key concepts of the book in a few posts.


What does leaders owe?

• Future leaders – identify, develop and nurture future leaders
• Maturity – Expressed in terms of sense of self-worth, sense of belonging, expectancy, responsibility, accountability and a sense of equality
• Rationality – To provide opportunity for self-development and self-fulfillment in the attainment of organizational goals
• Space – Enabling our gifts to be exercise, to grow, to give and receive
• Leaders are obligated to provide and maintain momentum

Leaders are responsible for effectiveness

• Effectiveness comes from enabling others to achieve their potential
• Encourage roving leadership

Leaders must develop, express and defend values and civility


“To be a leader means, especially, having the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who permit leaders to lead”