The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Max De PreeRead
The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning? Serving? Do they achieve the required results? Do they change with grace? Manage conflict?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Effective leadership is reflected in the growth and success of the followers.
This quote emphasizes that true leadership is not just about the actions of the leader, but also about how well followers are developing and reaching their potential. A leader's effectiveness is measured by the achievements, learning, service, and adaptability of their team members, highlighting the important connection between leaders and their followers.
Themes
LeadershipFollowersPotentialGrowthSuccess
In practice
Example use cases
In a leadership workshop, to illustrate the essence of effective leadership.
More from Max De Pree
All quotes →No question about it: potential is wrapped in great mystery. Like rainbows, which are really circles-we see only the upper halves, the horizon hides the rest-potential never reveals its entirety.
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A friend of mine characterizes leaders simply like this: Leaders don't inflict pain. They bear pain.
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In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
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