Max DePree began his career working in his father's furniture store, rising to CEO, where he brought the company to the level of one of the most profitable Fortune 500 companies. Depree's leadership theory is based on his CEO experience and all his experience with employees. One of his most famous quotes is: "The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant."

The management theory of Max DePree is based on the idea that leadership is an art. His theory questions some of the basic ideas about leadership, such as whether leadership has a future. His company thrived on diversity, and a belief that quality work can be done with openness, ideas, joy, healing and dignity.

1. Leaders give workers the strategy and the vision of the organization.

2. Leaders need to remove obstacles and get out of the way for workers to perform their jobs.

3. Depree's management theory is basically humanitarian, focusing on employee needs financially and emotionally, and giving incentives to employees such as stock options in the company.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the management theory of Max DePree and how it led to such a huge success

It is common practice in management theories to emphasize the importance of 'the people,' but as noted by several industry experts, no other company has an HR expert on its board of directors. 'Leadership Is an Art' by Max DePree won rave reviews from Peter Drucker and Sam Walton, to name two business giants.

I recommend: Herman Miller is the furniture company that Max DePree made into a Fortune 500 company using his theory of leadership. The company website is an eye-opening look at the kind of quality product, profitability and employee satisfaction his theory brought to fruition. The Max DePree Leadership Center focuses on the integration of "hard" and "soft" business needs to create a quality product and profitable organization that employs successful and happy workers.

Use Depree's leadership theory to inspire you

DePree's leadership theory has influenced pastors as well as respected business people. Let the Max DePree leadership theory inspire your management growth.

I recommend: In his book Leadership Jazz, DePree shares surprising ideas about the similarities between making music and manging creative people. American National Business Hall of Fame has a long, informative article on DePree's career. It discusses the Scanlon Plan, which was vital to the company's success during the Depression.

Innovate your work force with the spirit of Max DePree

Even using a few of Max DePree's management ideas could invigorate the climate of your company. Using a consultant or attending a seminar or program can bring new life to old ways of doing things.

I recommend: Core Coaching is a management consulting firm that coaches the principles of the Max DePree leadership theory. The Disney Institute has training and management programs that operate along Max DePree management theories, including the hiring and keeping of creative people.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It shouldn't be forgotten that Max DePree organizational theories contain pragmatic, solid business sense, too. In the growth of Herman Miller, Max DePree and his father and brother made very smart hires that look unconventional on the surface. Their hiring decisions always emphasized quality and smart marketing.