Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community (Hardcover)

by Max De Pree (Author) "No question about it: potential is wrapped in great mystery..." (more)
Key Phrases: Herman Miller, United States, World War

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
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.

Review
?This is a book to be read, re-read, shared widely within any organization. Every chapter has pictures for our mind that will remain vivid long after the book is closed. A vibrant testament to human potential, the why of work.? (Frances Hesselbein, president and CEO, The Drucker Foundation)

?Here is Max De Pree at his best, and that is very good indeed. In Leading Without Power, De Pree shows us why we cannot master the how-to-dos of effective leadership without also being clear about what leaders?and followers?must be. In doing so, he not only provides us with much practical wisdom about creative leading and organizational health, he also nurtures our souls. This is a book to be savored by all who care about such things as vision, faithfulness, trust, and hope.? (Richard J. Mouw, president, Fuller Theological Seminary)

?Being CEO of a non-profit organization is not so much a job as it is a love affair. Why keep at it if it is just going to limp along? Like any love story, my work may have its struggles, and Max De Pree provides the practical help, inspiration, and encouragement that keep me focused and motivated. But he also adds poetry, art and dance to the work, and to the way I work.? (Stephen A. Hayner, president, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship)

"A rich source of leadership wisdom that speaks to the needs of school leaders today." (The School Administrator)

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (September 5, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787910635
• ISBN-13: 978-0787910631
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #700,752 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great guide to leading with vision and not sight., March 13, 1999

By A Customer

After having read "Leadership is an Art", and "Leadership Jazz", I didn't have an idea that this book would have such a significant impact on my thoughts. Working for a non-profit, this book is such a wonderful guide about what it takes to lead an organization that is more concerned about people and less about profit. This doesn't mean that profit is not important, but what the author does say is that there is a considerable amount of heart and soul that goes into the non-profit sector. I especially recommend the section entitled "What shall we measure." DePree looks at key indicators from a perspective that should be imitated by any company that really wants to captivate its customers and employees. The explanation about the difference between a "movement" and "organization" is also spectacular. A great guide for the future.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wisdom for any leader who wishes to endure, October 17, 2000

By	"areaderfromusa" (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

De Pree presents a philosophy that while in many ways is timeless, is never a cliche. His emphasis upon people, their potential, and the elements present in strong, enduring organizations, will appeal to leaders working in any industry. De Pree offers the reader refreshing thoughts about the importance of service to others in an era of forgotten virtues. It is one of the most elegant and inspiring books I have come across lately.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read , January 11, 2007

By	Dan J. Sanders "Servant Leader" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Leading Without Power: Finding Hope in Serving Community, Paperback Edition (Paperback)

This book is among the best books on leadership ever written. I keep a copy next to my computer at the office and I also have one next to my laptop in the study -- the book is a reference guide for me almost daily. Although written with non-profits in mind, the book speaks to universal truths and eternal concepts -- things that bring fulfillment and meaning to any kind of work. I believe chapter two (What's a Movement?) is the best business book chapter of content I've ever read. It speaks to the importance of higher purpose thinking. Buy it. You'll be glad you did. Buy a bunch and hand them out. They'll be glad you did.