Leading Without Power Finding Hope in Serving Community

by Max DePree

Max De Pree, former CEO of Herman Miller and author of two bestselling books that look at business in a decidedly nontraditional manner, now turns his attention to nonprofits and the way they bring out the best in people. Leading Without Finding Hope in Serving Community addresses the possibility of managing through inspiration rather than domination by drawing a distinction between "organizations" and "movements." While some may argue that his theories are a bit too touchy-feely, De Pree's successful corporate background proves that there is more to his ideas than mere rhetorical bombast.

Genres: Leadership

Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Max De Pree was an American businessman and writer. A son of D. J. De Pree, founder of Herman Miller office furniture company, he and his brother Hugh De Pree assumed leadership of the company in the early 1960s, with Hugh becoming CEO and president in 1962. Max succeeded his brother Hugh as CEO in 1980 and served in that capacity till 1987; he was a member of the company's Board of Directors until 1995. His book Leadership is an Art has sold more than 800,000 copies. In 1992, De Pree was inducted into the Junior Achievement's U.S. Business Hall of Fame. He was involved with the Max De Pree Center for Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary (established in 1996 as the De Pree Center) since its establishment. He died at his home in Holland, Michigan in 2017.

Reviews

[Lyndsey Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good. I enjoyed reading the concepts and hope to use them in my day to day.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

De Pree, widely-recognized leadership guru, has here written a work that addresses especially the unique benefits and challenges of working in the non-profit sector. He does so not only because of their uniqueness but also because non-profits have much to teach for-profit companies. Many non-profit organizations are volunteer-driven which uncouples “power” from “leadership.” In a non-profit, a leader cannot “force” people to obey/conform/perform; rather, he or she must inspire them to do what is needed. A leader succeeds then, not by enhancing his or her own power but by empowering those whom s/he leads.
What follows are a series of meandering essays on various aspects of not-for-profit leadership. “Meandering,” I suppose, has a too-negative connotation; to clarify, I do not mean that the essays are “unfocused” or “repetitive” or “confusing.” They do wander, but in a way that serves to draw the reader in. It is clear from the very first pages that what you are reading is the distilled wisdom of decades of successful leadership in both for-profit and non-profit arenas. I found myself taking pages of notes on a book that could easily been read in a few hours’ time, finding on nearly every page some personally-relevant insight.
De Pree is a master of the distilled insight. In fact, odd as it sounds, I found him to be only an average story-teller. However, he has mastered the art of the memorable turn-of-phrase. For example:
• “It’s much easier to extrapolate from the past than to imagine what’s possible in the future”
• “To measure performance is to gauge a group’s sense of urgency.”
• “What we do will always be a consequence of who we have become.”
By far, the most important insight is that the basic purpose of any successful organization must be helping people realize their potential. (What makes non-profit organizations such an important part of American corporate culture is that, for them, that purpose is more or less explicit.) Successful leaders do not “grow companies”; they “grow people.”
I can think of no other way to emphasize the power of this little book other than to confess that I first picked it up in order to give it away. I was in the process of moving my office library back home, trying to clear as much space in my home library, and being as draconian as a tender-hearted bibliophile could be. However, this book has earned back its place on my shelf and will, I think, long stand in the number of the best books I’ve ever read on effective leadership.

[Tommy Kiedis · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't really read Max De Pree, you just pull up a chair and soak up the wisdom that pours from his pages. While Mr. De Pree passed from this world in August of 2017, his legacy (he addresses the topic of legacy in this book) lives on, in part, in his writings. De Pree writes, "I have written Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community in the hope that it will in some modest way help nonprofit organizations and the people in them understand leadership in a new light." As one serving in a nonprofit sector, I say, "Mission accomplished!" But these insights should not be reserved only for those in the not-for-profit tribe. No matter where you lead, pick up this book. I suspect you will be highlighting and making multiple notes with a view to serving better through your leadership.

[Aaron Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is well worth the read for only a handful of chapters. I’ll let you figure out which ones. Very contemplative and provoking for anyone seeking to lead an effective and impactful life in whatever capacity they work, live, lead, or volunteer. The reason this was 4 and not 5 stars was due to the authors writing style. Very assumptive and vague at times, he builds his case reversely. I would go as far as to say you could start with the last chapter and read it in reverse and it acts as a foundation and builds to the climax of the first 3 chapters. Regardless, it’s worth sifting through for his insights gleaned from Faith and experience.

[Zoffix Znet · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent and quick read for [upper] management that explores author's musings on what attributes non-profit organizations posses and how applicable they are in for-profit corporations. Human Potential, Trust, Hope, Vision, Moral Purpose, Active Virtue, Legacy—the author explores these topics, many of which he considers to be attributes of vital organizations, and questions how true leaders can embody those qualities. As with author's other book, "Leadership Jazz", the author's writing style sows an aura of positivity. And similar to that book, the author tends to ask the right questions, rather than give a list of answers.

[Cheryl Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max De Pree hit the nail on the head: I do believe people are moving away from materialism and are looking for places to volunteer and lend their skills. Serving the community has always been a passion of mine. Max De Pree asks several questions: Where can you turn to find real meaning? How can you have a positive influence in this society where, at every turn, it makes you question the existence of things, the integrity of its leaders and its promises? Can people truly be trusted? Can I give my fullest attention? Is there anyone or any project or organization that wants me, my time, talents and skills?

Without a doubt there is a place for you. We all have the chance to leave the world better than we found it. What are you waiting for? You bring something to the table that others lack.... You bring YOU!

[Melissa McDonald]

Max De Pree, former CEO of Herman Miller and author of two bestselling books that look at business in a decidedly nontraditional manner, now turns his attention to nonprofits and the way they bring out the best in people. Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community addresses the possibility of managing through inspiration rather than domination by drawing a distinction between "organizations" and "movements." While some may argue that his theories are a bit too touchy-feely, De Pree's successful corporate background proves that there is more to his ideas than mere rhetorical bombast.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a short read. De Pree relates nonprofit organizations to movements--places where volunteers and employees are working in order to realize their full potential. I enjoy how he uses scripture to make some of his points, as well as discussing how hope and leaving a legacy are both important in nonprofit organizations. I read the book to supplement the materials in my nonprofit class, but I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in nonprofit organizations.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very interesting. It compares leadership in the for profit and non-profit world. It discusses thriving organizations in terms of their quest for realized potential. The author phrases things really interestingly and it created interesting thoughts, he would often combine words in a way that made me think about things differently. I would recommend this book.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting perspectives on what makes a community, instead of just an organization, seen from both the nonprofit world and the for-profit working world. Makes good comparisons between the two. Easy to follow due to bullet-point-type writing instead of lengthy prose..

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick easy read that allows for a lot of reflection on self. Theme is to be other centered to be trully successful

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a big self-help reader. This book was given to me and I really enjoyed it. It covers some good leadership skills that are based on good principles of respect and value.

[John Bails · Rating 3 out of 5]

Qualities of a leader in volunteer organizations.

[Krista Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad read - some good things to think about.

[Rick Huemmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great tool for casting vision to implementing it.