Leadership Jazz: The Essential Elements of a Great Leader [NOOK Book]

Just Jazz

Leadership Jazz is a book that is basically just alright. The book was written so that everyone could basically read and understand it. I thought that the book gave some decent insight on how to be an effective leader but not great. One of the things that Dupree talks about that I really do not agree with, is the 'touchy-feely' way he talks about leadership. I read the book for a class, so had I not been assigned to do so I would have not read it. Also something that you might find odd is how he constantly uses 'she' instead of 'he', to me it was just very strange. Read it you may love it. Some people liked 'Eyes wide Shut' also.

Great Leadership Book!

I was assigned to read Leadership Jazz by Max Depree. The first chapter really grabbed my attention because Depree had a way of relating everyday experiences with a way to better himself as a leader. The book began with a story about his grandaughter. When she was a baby, a month premature, the nurse told him to caress her back while telling her that she was loved so the baby would associate the voice of her grandpa together with is touch. He says, 'A leader's voice is the expression of one's beliefs and a leader's touch demonstrates competence and resolve.' I thought this was a very good way to start the book because it really makes people stop and think what leadership means to them. I was very impressed and I would suggest that you read it!

Superior book by Max DePree

In Max DePree's book, Leadership Jazz, the importance of both the leader and the 'follower' are explored in great detail. DePree chooses to not only relay what a leader must be in order for an organization to be a success, but he also focuses on what type of employees must be present for a company to achieve a goal. This book goes beyond the normal management book that dictates how to lead with rules and procedures and delves into the communication and respect that must be present at all times at all levels. It is an excellent guide for what should be contemplated, considered, and carried out in a thriving, team-based operation. This book is one that individuals should definitely consider reading if they are looking for this type of information.

Review of Leadership Jazz

Leadership Jazz, a book by best-selling author Max DePree, takes a seemingly unlikely comparison of a jazz band and the leadership process and masterfully parallels them to each other. This book describes the interdependent relationship between the leader and her followers, and how the leader must remember that she is just as much in service of her followers as they are in service of her. DePree uses his own life experiences to introduce key issues and then broadens the concepts involved. His use of story-telling works well, because some of his comments seem vague or abstract without a demonstration. While the book does include topics such as ethics and delegation, it is not all dry and factual. DePree has used a very humanistic viewpoint to discuss aspects of leadership as opposed to a more corporately oriented outlook. DePree does not talk about how proper leadership will lead to increased profits and company expansion, but instead focuses on the benefits good leadership provides for interpersonal relationships as well as individual well being. For example, he asks the reader if they reserve time on their calender for reflection and if they work to improve their ability to practice the art of silence. Though these are not typical questions asked of a reader in a book on leadership, they make the point that personal growth is imperative for good leaders. The author does a very good job of writing from a humble, servitudinal standpoint and makes the point that moving up the hierarchy does not necessarily equal competency. He also discusses how much a leader can learn from putting thenselves in their follower's shoes. DePree discusses how much can be gained from recognizing the differences and strengths of others. He focuses on the need for nurturing creative people so that everyone can benefit from their ideas. I really liked how the author focused on individual happiness and strength. I am now an even firmer believer that those who possess personal knowledge and strength and who genuinely care for others make for the best leaders. This book helped me to evaluate my own philosophies and practices not only in leadership positions, but in also in my daily life. In the chapter called Polishing Gifts, DePree poses the question, 'What truly gives meaning to my life?' I can't seem to stop trying to answer that question. In that respect, this book sticks out in my mind as teaching me how to look at my life and myself as a leader and a follower. This is a great book for anyone because it is understandable and can be read in a just a few hours. It is also a book on leadership that is not just applicable to vice presidents, but to everyone because we are all leaders as well as followers.

No text was provided for this review.