August 18, 2009

What A Leader Is


"The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."

Max DePree
Writer, Son of Founder Herman Miller Furniture Company


Is there any other position in business whose role is more debatable than that of a "leader"?

From "order giver" to "servant"; a continuum of often conflicting definitions.


What do you think a leader is?

4 comments :

  1. Those fish are waiting for their leader to tell them what to do. That's what leaders do; give orders to their followers.

    No mystery.

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  2. I might agree (probably not) were employees fish but they're not. They are people and expect to be treated with respect. They don't sit around waiting for someone to tell them what to do.

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  3. Did you read the full quote?

    Leaders say thank you and are servants.

    Nothing about giving orders.

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  4. i'd like to believe that there's a way of "giving orders" that isn't as negative as it sounds.

    ultimately, i think it's a leader's job to motivate and inspire to accomplish a common goal.

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