8 Quotes by Max Depree

In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be, by remaining what we are.

We are alone, absolutely alone on this chance planet; and amid all the forms of life that surround us, not one, excepting the dog has made an alliance with us.

Channeled correctly and integrated properly, our diversity can be our greatest strength.

We cannot become what we need to be, remaining what we are.

Only a group of people who share a body of knowledge and continually learn together can stay vital and viable.

The art of leadership, as Max says, is “liberating people to do what is required of them in the most effective and humane way possible.” Thus, the leader is the “servant” of his followers in that he removes the obstacles that prevent them from doing their jobs.

Notice I did not say what people can do – what we can do is merely a consequence of what we can be.

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between the two, the leader must become a servant and a debtor. That sums up the progress of an artful leader.