The Millwright and the Poet

In 1989 I was working for Doubleday Publishing as a national account representative, when I had the privilege of meeting Max DePree. We were publishing his book “Leadership is an Art.” Max’s father D. J. De Pree was the founder of Herman Miller — the creator of fine furniture designed by American and International designers. In the 1920’s factories were not run by electric motors, but rather by a central pulley system and boilers fueled by a continuous supply of sawdust. The millwright was the man in charge of keeping the whole system running.

The Poet at home

During that period, the millwright died and Max’s father went to visit his family to express his condolences. His wife asked if she could read some poetry. Max’s father commented about the beauty of the poetry and was told that the millwright had written it. Sixty years later the question remains: was he a millwright who wrote poetry or was he a poet who did millwright’s work?

The inclusive corporation

That question of the “millwright and the poet” motivated Max as he took over the company in 1980 as CEO. He began to implement ideas for an inclusive corporation. Every worker had ownership in the company as he combined a caring organization with business success. He encouraged open communication in the organization. He was often heard to say “Err on the side of over-communication.” Even today Herman Miller is revered for its inclusivity of its workers.

Elijah: the Lord is my God

This morning I listened as Elijah E. Cummings was eulogized. It was often mentioned that he was a sharecropper’s son. Elijah had many passions and it was clear that he was a committed Congressman, man of faith and integrity, and a mentor to many young people. Was he a Congressman or a teacher or even a preacher?

What feeds your soul?

Corporations and organizations should understand that leaders must endorse a concept of persons. We are more than the jobs we do, but sometimes we are able to combine our passions and work in a new way. What feeds your soul? Are you the millwright or the poet or perhaps both? Are you the passionate Elijah or the one who hears the “quiet voice within?”