“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 DePree (b.1924), member of the founding family of Herman Miller
With apologies for a longer-than-intended sabbatical by the DailyDiff, we fire back up today with what is, candidly, about as good a definition as one will ever find for “leadership.”
Defining reality isn’t a one-and-done exercise either. Reality for the sales team may look very different than it does for the developers, or finance or client services. There needs to be a single reality, in the big picture, but defining it is a team-by-team, if not member-by-member undertaking.
If you’ve hired and developed well (see the REELAX Guide to Leadership hit the link and then scroll down to the bottom half of the page), once you’ve set the definition, hopefully we can get out of the way, to a great degree.
Then, when they’ve done it better than we asked them to (and likely faster than we asked them to — thanks to the “A” in REELAX), we can simply say “thank you” and set the next definition / direction.
Rob Tegtmeier says
I really love the quote. Especially the part about servant leadership. The best leaders I think of are always supporting their team.
I also want to thank you for your help on blogging with my students. I’ve included the link to our blog in my response. Take a look.
Thanks
T
http://tposseleadership.blogspot.com/?view=sidebar
Amber Smith says
The quote really made me think about how leaders have to do a ton of work, to help and assist others rather than just boss them around. I appreciate you sharing because it really helps describe what I’ve been trying to put into words for awhile now.
Caralia says
I really like the quote used and how it talks about leaders have to define the reality. I think that means leaders have to set the goals and/or make the “rules.” Leaders have to set the bar for their followers to reach.
Megan says
This is very true how leaders can’t just boss around, they have to be someone there actually apart of the team, and not just the guy who directs.
Kylo Reynold says
I agree with the quote. I think all three are strong valid points.
shyheim hasan says
The quote means that in the real world isn’t always fair and we have to realize that .
alizay muldrew says
I think it is very important to define a leader the correct way. Its nothing like observing somebody that speaks so high of themselves and they’re actions are completely different. Its a little goofy actually. You can’t call yourself a leader and do nothing but boss people around. You have to grow with them and lead them in the right direction hens the lead in leader .
zinda says
I really enjoy this quote for many reasons. I find it to be a perfect definition of leadership because it specifically outlines the importance of how before you become a leader, you must define reality for yourselves and others and when working in a team you must respect and thank eachother for the work you all put into whatever you are doing.
Luciano Gaxiola says
The quote speaks many words and I for one like the meaning it is projecting.It tells me that in order to be a good leader you have to give your followers a certain reality that they choose to believe,you also thanking them for being able to see your perspective of a given reality,and as for you, you work for that reality for the people, so you could say you’re somewhat a servant to them.Then again I could be seeing it in a different perspective,its up to you if your willing to perceive.