69 Quotes by Max de Pree

We can teach ourselves to see things the way they ARE. Only with vision can we begin to see things the way they CAN BE.

The key elements in the art of working together are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our potential...the needs of the team are best met when we meet the needs of individual persons.

In addition to all of the ratios and goals and parameters and bottom lines, it is fundamental that leaders endorse a concept of persons. This begins with an understanding of the diversity of people's gifts and talents and skills. Recognizing diversity gives us the chance to provide meaning, fulfillment and purpose, which are not to be relegated solely to private life any more than such things as love, beauty and joy. The art of leadership lies in polishing and liberating and enabling those gifts.

The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.

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

History can’t be left to fend for itself. For when it comes to history and beliefs and values, we turn our future on the lathe of the past.

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

Leaders don’t inflict pain – they share pain.

A whale is as unique as a cactus. But don’t ask a whale to survive Death Valley. We all have special gifts. Where we use them and how determines whether we actually complete something.