Leadership in Business: Reflecting on Leadership is an Art

This report analyzes Max DePree's 'Leadership is an Art' using the Gibbs reflective cycle. It begins with an introduction to leadership concepts, emphasizing the importance of character, culture, communication, and charisma. The report then reviews DePree's book, highlighting his shift from rigid leadership to a more creative approach, focusing on employee contributions and ethical considerations. The assignment is structured around the Gibbs model, including descriptions, feelings, evaluations, analyses, conclusions, and action plans derived from the book review. The report assesses DePree's ideas on leadership, organizational standards, and the significance of liberating people's skills. It also examines the book's purpose, audience, and the author's credibility, objectivity, and currency, concluding with a reflection on the author's impactful insights and how they influenced the student's understanding of leadership. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the book and leadership approaches.

Running head: LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS
LEADERSHIP IN BUSINESS
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author note:

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Abstract
The idea of leadership reflects about the maximum potential from another individual or group.
Leadership is thus identified as a varied base and when during conflation with management
domain, such skills of leadership can place unquantifiable amounts of seeds in the business
domain. Leadership skills are not exclusively reserved for top management in a knowledge-
based economy. However, in contemporary business domain, organizations are implementing a
flat organizational structure along with leadership competencies which are required at all levels
of the organization to be attainable in the business world. The paper has critically analysed the
ideas of DePree in his book ‘Leadership is an Art’ and has reflected on the ways his leadership
ideas and approaches have enhanced the skills of contemporary managers or leaders.

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Table of Contents
Part A...............................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Review of Leadership Is an Art by Max Depree.............................................................................3
Part B...............................................................................................................................................6
Part C...............................................................................................................................................8
Feelings:.......................................................................................................................................8
Evaluation:...................................................................................................................................8
Analysis:......................................................................................................................................9
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................10
Action:.......................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................12

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Part A
Introduction
The first step of leadership is to establish a foundation using the four important pillars
(4Cs) of leadership namely character, culture, communication and charisma. The second step as
per author is to efficiently develop the developing competencies required to lead an organization
(Denhardt, 2015). Ogden and Min (2015) have been noted that leadership skills tend to emerge
as an outcome of continuous observation and experimentation. The role of a leader is typically
associated with artistic techniques rather than relating to science as to successfully create value,
leaders efficiently make decisions in the arenas of marketing, human resources, technology and
operations. Furthermore, according to Denhardt (2015), leaders in contemporary business
domain require relentless evaluation in order to develop the critical budding leadership skills for
proficiently leading their organization. At this juncture, ideas of leadership skills and capabilities
can be drawn from Max Depree’s book on ‘Leadership is an art’ to understand the way
leadership is acceptable as an art in the domain of economy with a perception that if ‘leaders’
produce organizations will buy’ (Depree, 1987).
This assignment will be a reflective piece which would be based on Gibbs model of
reflection. It would help in detailing about the experiences and knowledge gained by me during
reviewing the book. Gibb’s reflective cycle encourages an individual to dissect a particular
experience or action that he had gone through and make him critically judge the situation. The
individuals need to think the entire situation systemically and evaluate and analyse the various
negative and positive aspects of the event (Middlehurst, 2015). Accordingly, the individual
would learn to indentify the negative aspects of the situation and develop the skills hence forth to
prevent the situations in future. The event of reading the book and the experiences and

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knowledge gained by me would be critically analysed in six important steps in the assignment;
these are description, feeling, evaluation, analysis, and conclusion and action plan.
In order to think systematically, individuals often tend to become ego-centric and
socio-centric. This is because they tend to favour decisions and ideas that favour them and put
their own benefits and beliefs over others. Therefore, individuals tend to visualise different
aspects of a concept as they truly are without judging them from a biased point of view (Paul &
Elder, 2014). Therefore, in order to assess the quality of the thinking, one needs to use the
intellectual standards. These are standards that must be applied for thinking whenever one is
interested in checking the quality of reasoning about the issue, or a problem or a situation. In
order to understand the viewpoint of the author of the book and in order to construct an – in-
depth analysis of the concepts put forward by the author, we need to use the intellectual
standards of thinking. This would help us in correctly capturing the through process of the
author. This assignment would therefore be based on intellectual standards of analysis to review
the book successfully.
Review of Leadership Is an Art by Max Depree
In the book “Leadership is an Art”, author Max Depree has drawn divergence from the
business stereotypes of hard firm leadership to a more flexible and creative approach towards
leadership (Depree, 1987). DePree has efficiently evaluated his attitudes, perceptions and beliefs
and has further determined which techniques would facilitate him in order to succeed as a leader.
Bigley (2018) stated that through the ideas of the book has shared ideas and information with his
readers by further encouraging them to significantly assess their beliefs and perspectives before
serving any leadership role. The book on leadership has been composed in gender neutral

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language which engaged the readers as a pragmatic educator due to individualistic attention to
employees rather than treating employee as an insignificant part but sincerely respecting them
for their innovative procedures and vital contributions to the organizations (Bigley, 2018).
At this juncture, Caldwell and Hasan (2016) have mentioned a divergent work
philosophy that has been reflected through the book with an exceptional approach by DePree and
his executives. The approach signifies ideas of abandoning an individual to the strengths and
competencies of others. Such an approach however has drawn great variations from the
philosophies proposed by most of the corporations. His ideas according to Xu et al. (2015)
reproduced on this book observe an approach of his management skills which exhibits great
reliance on talents, skills and competencies who are employed to any organization. However, as
the book is concise, DePree could not justify his methods as well as leadership mechanisms in an
inclusive approach (Serrat, 2017). However, the readers have acknowledged the way DePree
efficiently has signified the role, accountability and responsibility of a contemporary leader.
Furthermore, the book provides leaders with crucial responsibility for organization’s standards as
well as moral development and does not suggest to facts that modern leaders attain special
exemptions or ethical rights and privileges because of the importance of the position (Bigley,
2018).
Furthermore, Caldwell and Hasan (2016) critically analysed the approach of DePree in
employing skills and techniques of others is essential to note which aids organizations to
maximize its level of success. However, according to the perspective of DePree when employees
who put effort for the company shares ideas and knowledge to amplify and improve efficiency,
these leaders are typically rewarded by financial gains which are consequential to their efforts
and contribution to the company (Serrat, 2017). The purpose of the book as per the view of

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Abrahams and Caldwell (2016) have been stated early in the foreword that significantly
designated that liberating people and extract their skills as per organization’s demands and goals
is identified as the most resourceful and humane way to advance organizations to the path of
success. The book to a greater extent deals with ideas, perceptions, values and relationships and
has to do with the ‘why’ of institutional as well as corporate life rather than emphasizing on the
how Xu et al. (2015). Incorporated in the book, Depree (1987), DePree dedicated certain
knowledge and information to assist anyone to proficiently identify his or her limitations and
deficiencies. This has led DePree to draw his experiences alongside individualistic mentorship
by proficiently offering his readers with some vital reflective thoughts such as guidance (Serrat,
2017). Such reflective thoughts and ideas have been shed light upon in order to help his readers
adopt strategies to mitigate business pitfall or organizational conflicts related to workforce
devastation, families and the organization.
Another crucial characteristic witnessed in the writings of Leadership Is an Art is the way
DePree and Herman Miller, organizational firm with which he was engaged focused on the
concepts of successful leadership. His exceptional ideas have been perceived as a place of
reliability by the outsiders of the company and its workforce. Such a factor of business attributes
however can never be disregarded. Through the analysis of the book, several events can be
witnessed whereby DePree has used scripture as the introduction to the chapter. For instance, in
the chapter based on “Whiter Capitalism”, the author employs I Corinthians 9:7-9 as his
introduction and persuades these verse in order to offer comprehensive insights to his readers
(Depree, 1987)
However, the readers through his chapter had begun with the conceptualization of
persons. It has been noted that his readers who follow the path of Christianity develop the

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perception that every individual is an illustration of the Almighty (Abrahams & Caldwell, 2016).
However, according to Serrat (2017) for individuals who have attained the idea of leadership
from their leaders, such credence tends to have immense significance. In addition to this, DePree
has evaluated that God has provided humans with great diversity of gifts and pleasures. Thus
recognizing the diversity of those gifts and contribution facilitates people to take vital steps of
establishing trust and dedication towards each other (Caldwell & Hasan, 2016).
Thus the book ‘Leadership Is an Art’ with a convincing and persuasive tone has provided
a suggestion that artful leadership constitutes certain undemanding techniques and typically
generates constructive outcomes (Depree, 1987). The author through his ideas has assumed
specific level of maturity, professionalism, dedication and desire in workplace peers and
employees. The book ‘Leadership is an Art’ offers comprehensive insights regarding leadership
skills and enabled learners to acquire ideas of DePree’s innovative leadership approaches in the
business domain.
Part B
 Purpose and Audience- The primary purpose of the book lied on invigorating people
and extracting their skills and competencies which would advance organizations to attain
its established goals and purposes. The book as a primary source aimed for students of
Business & Economics or Leadership and Business & Economics or Management
domain, fundamentally purposes to look at leadership as a kind of stewardship
emphasizing value of building associations and creating an enduring value system within
an organization.
 Authority- DePree can be recognized as a highly proficient entrepreneur who also served
military services in the European Theatre of Operations. DePree skills cam further be

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based on the substantial recognition he received through his book “Leadership is an Art”
published originally by Michigan State University Press ad latest edition published by
Crown Publishing Group has been sold over 800,000 copies (Depree, 1987).
 Accuracy & Reliability- The book comprises a bibliography list which signifies reliable
information that is offered by the author (Depree, 1987).
 Objectivity- DePree while reflecting his ideas in the book ‘Leadership is an Art’ has
provided inclusive insights which drew significance of his personal leadership techniques
and approaches As these experiences reveal his individualistic perception it can be stated
that the book has offered adequate insights for readers aiming to emerge as successful
leaders in competitive business domain.
 Currency- Though the book ‘Leadership is an Art’ originally published in the late
1980’s, the author provided significant insights of his professional events. However it can
be seen the leadership concepts and strategies reflected in his writing are of immense
value to modern leaders engaged in the current competitive business world (Depree,
1987). Thus it can be stated DePree’s ideas were ahead of his time and facilitate several
leaders and mangers to develop competence to achieve desired goals and objectives.
 Coverage- It has offered inclusive insights regarding leadership approaches through
individualistic experiences gathered from his involvement with Herman Miller Furniture
Company. Thus it can be stated that the leaders who want to read an inspirational book
with reliable information on leadership styles must obtain insights from this book.

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Part C
Feelings:
I was quite overwhelmed by the different minute but impactful aspects of leadership that
the author had explained in his book. His approach was quite detailed and it made me understand
each of the concepts in details. Therefore, I felt had no difficulty in understanding his viewpoints
and this made me quite happy. The concepts discussed made me quite amazed as the concepts,
which were discussed by him in 1987, are quite modern for the era and are now discussed and
researched upon by present day researchers in the present year.
Evaluation:
One of the most important aspects that the author had put much significance is the
development of roving leadership. By the term “roving leaders”, the author had actually tried to
refer to leaders who provide the utmost companionship to their subordinates and remain present
for them whenever they need them. Such action of the leaders helps the subordinates to feel that
their concerns are looked after and that they have someone to seek for guidance when they lose
their focus. This tends to make them feel dedicated towards the organization ensuring loyalty
towards the organization and also increasing productivity and performance (Darling, 2014).
The book also deals with the importance of embracing change in every organization. Therefore,
the author was seen to instruct leaders to always promote changes by inculcating the concept that
one cannot become what they need until they make efforts to change about what they are. In such
an arena, leaders should be acting as the friend-philosopher-guide and invoke the strength in the
subordinates to alter the present features in them in ways so that they can successfully meet the
mission and vision developed by the organization for the future (Allen, 2014). Three important
components had been witnessed by the author is to be important for ensuring effective change

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and to help subordinate to deal with the change successfully. These are the proper ways to deal
with the changes, effective methods to deal with conflicts and proper mediums to reach their
potential. From these three aspects correctly identified by the author, it can be stated that when
employees can develop themselves successfully by gaining proper skills and knowledge to
prosper these three aspects, it would help the entire team to meet the goal successfully (Hasan &
Caldwell, 2016). His writings are clearly of the opinion that leaders who seek control rather
than follow the tenets of liberation often fail to lead the subordinates towards vision. Hence, it
can be valued that his focus was to help leaders of the future lean not to control subordinates but
give them enough scope to explore and face challenges. Indeed studies support that when
employees can enjoy accountability, they tend to be intrinsically motivated and try their best to
impress their leaders. This help in successful achievement in the mission and vision of
organization.
Analysis:
From the above-evaluated important points, it can be analyzed that the author had wanted
the leader to be a guide to the subordinates rather than being a dictators and instructor of the
tasks that need to be carried out. In such arena, the concept of covenants described by the author
can help in simplifying the statement made. Leaders need to act as covenants and harbor certain
important traits that make subordinates look up to them with respect rather than as autocrats
(Nemerowicz & rossi, 2014). Some of the features of the covenants include inducing of freedom,
resting on the shared commitments to different ideas, values, goals as well as issues. They also
need to bring warmth, love as well as personal chemistry among the subordinates. They should
also ensure that the professionals consider the work to be fulfilling where they can develop their
potential for future success. I believe that these skills of the covenants are indeed important for

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ensuring effective relationship building. Studies are indeed of the opinion that convenient
relationships are important to be developed between leaders and subordinates that are based on
mutual trust and respect (Caldwell, 2018). Employees need to feel that they have significant
roles in their company and that they are trusted, respected and declared in the organization for
their contributions. When leaders are able to deliver successfully according to the expectations of
the subordinates, it would result in effective relationship building. This would in turn have
positive outcomes on their performance and job satisfaction.
This concept leads to another important aspect called the participative management. This
form of management can effectively take place when leaders put more focus on effective
relationship building and invite the employees in two ways communication inviting effective
feedback (Caust, 2018). However, close analysis can show that participative management invites
effective feedbacks and suggestions but it does not welcome individuals to vote. For effective
development of individuals, the leaders should also influence overcoming the exasperating
discontinuity between how they visualize themselves as persons and how they visualize
themselves as workers. Studies suggest that eliminating the sense of discontinuity and restoring
the sense of coherence in lives would help in achieving success much efficiently.
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, a budding leader can gain much important information that
would help him to motivate the employees to work beyond their potential and reach the zenith of
the success. I have realized every of the minor aspects which when inculcated successfully as
leadership traits would help in development of effective relationships between subordinates and
leaders. When leaders can guide the followers in ways by resolving their concerns and give
scope for their suggestions and feedbacks, employees feel dedicated and loyal to their

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organization. It makes them feel that company cares about them. In this way, I believe roving
leadership style and participative management can bring out potentiality in every subordinate
helping them to achieve the mission. Moreover, helping subordinates to identify the present
features as well as the features they want to develop ensure preparation of the subordinates as
future leaders in their career paths (Pava, 2017). Covenantal relationships rest on shared
commitments towards ideas, issues, values, goals and effective management procedures and
hence, I would try to develop such relationship with my employees when I become a leader as
well.
Action:
I believe that one of the best ways for effective development of leadership is to ensure
self-regulation skills. These would help me to handle each of the concerns and problems faced by
the employees successfully without getting agitated and irritated. This would help in active
relationship building as stated by the author. Therefore, I would participate in mindfulness-based
therapies as well as take part n meditations and yoga. These help in development of self-
regulation. I also believe that effective communication skills are important for encouraging
employees as well as striking effective relationship. This would help to undertake participative
management. Hence, I would join workshop classes on communication skill development.

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References
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Allen, W. E. (2014). Book Review: The conviction to lead: 25 principles for leadership that
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