Leadership Jazz: The Essential Elements of a Great Leader

by Max DePree

Leadership in the workplace, says Max DePree, is like playing jazz; it's more an art than a science. Today's successful managers are attuned to the needs and ideas of their followers and even step aside at times to be followers themselves. As a result, they spark vitality and productivity from their work force. They culivate communication and spontaneity, diversity and creativity, and the unique potential of every person in the organization to contribute to the success of the team. In Leadership Jazz you'll learn

-How to hold people accountable but still give them space to make mistakes.

- How to balance the needs of your employees with those of the company.

- How to inspire change and innovation and maintain a sense of stability.

- How to practice the art of delegation.

- How to work constructively with creative people.

- How to assess candidates for senior positions.

- And much more!

Genres: Leadership, Business, Nonfiction, Management, Reference, Business Leadership, Personal Growth

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

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

[Ensiform · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book on leadership by the Herman Miller CEO, written in the same easy-going, musing, philosophical style – a world apart from Jim Collins’, though they’re writing (ostensibly) about the same thing: the qualities of good leadership. The title comes from De Pree’s suggestion that a good leader is like a jazz band leader rather than a conductor: everyone’s playing the same thing, but there’s room for individual solos and improvisations along the way.

This book is, I think, even more lacking in the bones and meat of fact or anecdotal evidence than Leadership Is an Art; it’s if anything more of a series of adjurations to be a better human being. Not that I disagree with De Pree’s broad liberal, humanist philosophy, or the importance of its role in the workplace – not by a long shot – but is this really a book on leadership, or just moral character? De Pree extols equity (financial and moral), heterogeneity, free dissent, trust, communication, empathy, family and values over monetary gain, keeping one’s promises, leading by serving the greater good, clarity and access, delegation, accountability to the future and to the less powerful, restraint in behavior, grace, and so forth. Basically, he writes nothing about the hows and whys of managing a company: to De Pree, being a valued leader in any community is no more or less equivalent to not being a total prick. I suppose this is a lesson a lot of corporate leaders need to hear.

[Allen Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll highlight the weakest point of this book first: the 'jazz' image presented in the title isn't developed as an overarching theme or image of leadership. DePree occasionally references some aspect of jazz music and musicians, but overall, it's hardly a unifying principle for the book's content.

But that's really the only negative I found.

As an author on the topic of followership, I truly appreciate the excellent way that DePree acknowledges and values the role of follower and also the emphasizes the importance of the leader-follower relationship.

The chapters are short and readable. He often includes lists of various suggestions or characteristics; some of these are developed well, and others less-so, but they serve to give you an idea of his perspective and stimulate further thinking.

His experience at Herman Miller (furniture manufacturer) was an excellent forum for him to learn and practice leadership, I appreciated the regularly glimpses into how his principles were displayed in their organizational culture and operation. DePree comes across, not as an ivory tower know-it-all, but as a humble practitioner who sought to create the best environment he could for his employees and customers.

I easily recommend this book to leaders and followers alike.

[Reid Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Knowing what not to do is fully as important as knowing what to do”

Leadership Jazz may be small book but it is huge on content. The book is littered with nuggets of wisdom and insight. I don’t remember the last time I read a book where I wrote quote after quote down.

Max DePree was a great leader. He was a great leader because he respected his followers and his followers respected him. I don’t think DePree had any supernatural executive powers, but I do believe he had a strong passion for others.

This book is a quick read and a must for any leader.

Here are some more nuggets:

“Good relationships are rooted in gratitude.”

“Leaders need an ability to look through a variety of lenses.”

“Followers really determine how successful a leader will be.”

“If you’re a leader and you’re not sick and tired of communicating, you probably aren’t doing a good enough job.”

“Followers need a chance to do their best; leaders need a lot of help.”

“I still try to remember how much there is that I don’t know.”

“Do you pick up towels because you’re the president of a company, or are you the president because you pick up towels?”

[Luke Illeniram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Books like this are not really my cup of tea, but due to a Leadership unit during Uni, I was tasked with writing a paper on leadership using DePree as a scaffold of how to view leadership. I selected this book out of a list based on the title, and the abstract which compared leadership Jazz band leaders as they interact with their band, the crowd etc. Funnily enough, DePree really doesnt use this as a binding thread in the book, in fact it is only mentioned a few times after the initial discussion. I felt as though this is a weak point as I felt like it was a compelling way to intepret leadership. It is a fairly old book, so the ideas seemed a little dated, as were the examples in the book. However, I was impressed with how an old white CEO from 1992 included diversity and inclusivness as such a key part of leadership. One point of note was the consistent usage of the pronoun 'her' when referring to leaders. A small point, but I think fairly notable given the time of publication. DePree does come across as a very likeable guy, and his approach to leadership seems to be basically "be cool". I will have to try and get another 2748 words into my analysis for the paper...

[Zoffix Znet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well-written book, which makes it easy to read and it can easily be devoured in a single day.

The content itself is at times vague. The author uses some terms like "believing in authenticity" or "polishing gifts" throughout an entire chapter, without detailed explanations, and you take from them what you will.

The book does answer the titular question of what are The Essential Elements of a Great Leader. However, it doesn't try hard enough to explain why. I did agree these were good elements for a leader, without needing any convincing, but I wonder whether those who don't already agree that way would be suitably persuaded by the author.

8/10. Very easy to read, so even if you don't like the learning material, it's still a pleasant book.

[Juan Jacobo Bernal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish it. I cannot even recall the last time that I left a book unfinished. I am working for Nubank: Latin America’s fintech innovator. We abide by Silicon Valley’s ethos. I was drawn to this book because Mr. DePree was quoted in an article, I read about servant leadership.

I love Jazz and thus I decided to pick up this book. I just found myself unable to connect to DePree’s narrative style: I just could not find a discernable structure guiding the advice of this book. Seems haphazard. Finally, having been written in 1992, it places a lot of emphasis on building factory buildings… for someone operating in 2021’s fintech industry, DePree’s reality is as outlandish as it gets.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you only have time for one (or two) brief books on leadership, this one (and his previous Leadership is an Art) is what you need (though maybe not what you want). There are no (or very few) process imperatives, strategic planning tips, etc. What there is, in many forms, is a set of principles, wishes, gopes, aspirations for how to behave so as to embody the idea of servant leadership. Good for new and seasoned leaders to ponder intently.

[Joe Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to inspire individuals who are in and want to be in management. Written in an engaging style, the author draws upon his experience to challenge individuals on what it takes to be a good leader.

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this easy read about leadership. It was a practical book written for the practitioner more than the scholar. I took advantage of DePree's pragmatism to evaluate my leadership style and theory.

[Deborah Gaspar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book if you are a leader.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started slow but had some incredible nuggets of wisdom; great read.

[Dakota Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good... not as good as his other books. Worth the read.

[Brian W · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will not wow you but provides ample solid advice on basic leadership techniques and principles.

[Joe Hernandez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice memoir on leadership. Not what I was expecting.

[Tanner Cipriano · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Richard Frierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inciteful, thought provoking journey into what Leadership is, the nuances and breadth of what it means to be a servant leader.

This book provides a great framework for what Leadership looks like and guides you into how you can reinforce your personal leadership qualities.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorite books from business school in college, perhaps because it was one of the first I read and I had to give a presentation on it. It really challenged my thinking on what it would take to succeed in the corporate world. Max is also a Christian (not necessarily stated in this book, I just know from other sources) so his ideas reflect more of a "servant leadership" perspective.

Later, I grew to love Herman Miller (both their design and their blog on management/leadership/corporate matters). "Leadership is an Art" is his first book, which led me to this one, and is also highly recommended.

[Sarah Casbeer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This leadership book may not change your life, but it has some beautiful and redeeming ideas on leadership that may inspire you to think of how leadership could be.

As a woman, I was completely unnerved to get through the entire book and realize the author only used the feminine pronoun in referring to leaders! It was the first time I felt completely addressed as a woman reading a leadership book without a special chapter about feminine leadership, an introduction qualifying his consistent use of She, or the bouncing back and forth between He and She.

[Derek Emerson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Coming from the liberal arts school DePree mentions (Hope College) and living in the area of Herman Miller, this is a book I have heard off for a long time. I like Leadership as an Art much more. This one seemed to keep trying to build on what he had already said before, so much of it turned out to be repetitive or obvious. But it is an easy read and I do like hearing about leaders caring about people instead of processes (see my "90 Days" review). I also like that he does not hide his Christian faith -- not for everyone perhaps, but it is who he is.

[Tori]

Lot's of jargon, the type of book I would go back to when I am a leader and looking for a solution to a problem!

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

While it might be fun to read this book on the airplane, or in some other location full of mind-numbing tedium, the book, in general has little to offer besides entertainment value. It is a collection of fortune-cookie drivel for a reader pretending to examine the intricacies of leadership

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this book a great deal and get more out it each time I read it. Max DePree centers on relationship and service as key elements of a leadership. I would recommend to anyone in a leadership role.

[Dan Sr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Leadership Is An Art, but still an easy read and great resource for leaders.

[Tommy]

I like leadership, I like jazz. Never thought of the two together. This could be wonderful or a complete disaster.

[Kevin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Leadership VAPOR ...

[Carole Syse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of the books I was given when I started at Herman Miller. Love it. Portrays true leadership in a fantastically positive light.

[Starla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not as good as Leadership is an Art. DePree still offeres excellent tips and insight into what it means to be a good leader/mentor. It's just not as rich as a few of his other books.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book to think on. My take away that I remember most often: Leaders need to abandon themselves to the strengths of other.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on leadership by one who has done it well.

[Sara Batchelder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, great book. Let's see if I can get my bosses to read it. ;)