**
Max DePree’s 1987 classic, “Leadership is an Art,” delves into the nuances of effective leadership with a gentle, humanistic approach. The book belongs to the categories of Executive Leadership and Leadership Development, offering insights that are timelessly relevant for leaders across various domains. DePree, former CEO of Herman Miller, a highly successful office furniture company, distills his own experiences into a philosophy of leadership that emphasizes integrity, dignity, and collaboration. Below is a structured summary of the book, covering its major points, specific actions, and concrete examples.

Key Point: Leadership is about relationships, not just tasks or processes.

Example: DePree opens with the story of his father, who, at the 75th anniversary of Herman Miller, tearfully thanks the employees. This heartfelt moment underlines the intimate connection between leaders and their teams.

Action Step: Cultivate meaningful connections with team members. Take time to understand their personal stories, challenges, and aspirations.

Key Point: Great leadership requires a balance of various ingredients such as vulnerability, warmth, empathy, and discipline.

Example: DePree explains that vulnerability is crucial because it fosters trust and openness. He shares that he would often express his uncertainties and seek advice from his team.

Action Step: Be open about your own vulnerabilities and uncertainties during team meetings. This shows that you value input from others and trust their judgment.

Key Point: Leaders should serve their employees, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Example: DePree emphasizes stories from Herman Miller, where leaders would often engage in humble tasks to help employees feel valued and supported.

Action Step: Regularly ask your team members, “How can I assist you?” This simple question conveys your commitment to their success and well-being.

Key Point: A leader’s vision should capture both the direction and the values that guide the organization.

Example: At Herman Miller, the vision included not just becoming a top furniture manufacturer but also creating a sustainable work environment. This vision shaped every decision.

Action Step: Create and communicate a clear and inspiring vision statement that aligns with the core values of your organization. Revisit and emphasize this vision frequently in team discussions.

Key Point: Listening is a critical skill for effective leadership. By truly listening, leaders can better understand the needs and ideas of their team members.

Example: DePree discusses initiatives like open forums where employees could voice their concerns and ideas without judgment.

Action Step: Incorporate regular listening sessions into your schedule, where team members can freely share feedback and suggestions. Practice active listening by reflecting back what you hear and discussing potential actions.

Key Point: Diverse teams bring a multitude of perspectives that drive creativity and innovation.

Example: Herman Miller actively sought to build a diverse workforce, believing that different backgrounds and experiences lead to better problem-solving and products.

Action Step: Create hiring practices that emphasize diversity and inclusion. Encourage team-building activities that allow members to appreciate and leverage each other’s unique strengths.

Key Point: For a team to function effectively, there must be a foundation of trust and accountability.

Example: DePree describes the process at Herman Miller of setting clear expectations and holding people accountable, not through fear, but through mutual respect and clear communication.

Action Step: Establish clear roles and expectations from the outset. Regularly review performance metrics and provide compassionate, constructive feedback.

Key Point: Effective delegation empowers team members and frees leaders to focus on strategic vision.

Example: DePree tells of entrusting his design team with the autonomy to innovate, which led to some of Herman Miller’s most successful product lines.

Action Step: Identify tasks that can be delegated and match them with team members’ strengths. Provide the necessary resources and trust your team to deliver.

Key Point: Celebrating achievements, both big and small, fosters a positive and motivating work environment.

Example: Herman Miller had regular celebrations for milestones and achievements, from product launches to personal accomplishments of the employees.

Action Step: Establish regular intervals for recognizing and celebrating the achievements of your team, both formally and informally.

Key Point: Continuous learning and the ability to adapt are essential in maintaining long-term success.

Example: Herman Miller invested heavily in training and development programs, encouraging employees to pursue further education and skill enhancement.

Action Step: Encourage and fund ongoing education. Create a culture where learning is not only valued but expected. Celebrate those who take the initiative.

Key Point: High standards of quality and continuous innovation are non-negotiable for sustained success.

Example: DePree highlights the relentless focus on design excellence and innovation at Herman Miller, which kept them at the forefront of the industry.

Action Step: Implement a rigorous quality control process and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Encourage team members to challenge the status quo and propose innovative ideas.

Key Point: Ethical leadership is foundational to genuine success and trust in an organization.

Example: DePree recounts occasions where Herman Miller prioritised ethical decisions over profits, reinforcing their commitment to integrity.

Action Step: Develop and adhere to a clear ethical code. Make decisions transparent and consistent with your values, even when it might cost the organization in the short term.

Key Point: Effective leaders use measurement as a tool for feedback and improvement, not just for control.

Example: Herman Miller used detailed metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement, but always paired this with human considerations.

Action Step: Implement key performance indicators that accurately reflect both financial and human aspects of the organization. Use these metrics to inform, support, and motivate rather than control.

Key Point: A leader’s impact is measured by the legacy they leave behind.

Example: DePree reflects on the enduring culture and values of Herman Miller as a testament to the leadership legacy of its founders and successive leaders.

Action Step: Consider the long-term impact of your leadership decisions. Work on developing the next generation of leaders within your organization to ensure continuity of vision and values.

Max DePree’s “Leadership is an Art” weaves together personal anecdotes and profound insights to paint a picture of leadership as a deeply human and relational activity. His advice is practical, actionable, and proven by his own success at Herman Miller. By focusing on relationships, vision, accountability, and continuous improvement, leaders can create environments where employees thrive, innovation flourishes, and organizations succeed.

In summary, the key to DePree’s philosophy is that leadership is not merely a set of techniques or an exercise in power, but rather an art that involves serving others, fostering trust, promoting growth, and maintaining ethical standards. By embracing these principles and actions, leaders can navigate the complexities of their roles and leave a lasting positive impact on their organizations.