Max de Pree Leader Quotations

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

In some South Pacific cultures, a speaker holds a conch shell as a symbol of temporary position of authority. Leaders must understand who holds the conch-that is, who should be listened to and when.

Leaders should be able to Stand Alone, Take the Heat, Bear the Pain, Tell the Truth, and Do What's Right

The leader is the servant who removes the obstacles that prevent people from doing their jobs.

Trust cannot be bought or commanded, inherited or enforced. To maintain it, leaders must continually earn it.

From a leader's perspective, the most serious betrayal has to do with thwarting human potential, with quenching the spirit, with failing to deal equitably with each other as human beings.

Leaders should leave behind them assets and a legacy.

Leaders who keep promises and followers who respond in kind create an opportunity generate enormous energy around their commitment to serve others.

Leaders don't inflict pain - they share pain.