Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World

It has been a long time since I've read a book that has left such a deep impression, and more importantly, given me an overwhelming sense of hope. John Hope Bryant's Love Leadership doesn't so much teach new concepts as distill what great leaders of this past century have practiced and promoted -- Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, Gandhi. But what this book does (and does powerfully) is make the five tenets that John Hope Bryant proposes, doable. Bryant's searing honesty is the "special sauce" that makes the message stick. His personal anecdotes are shared without sugar-coating. And then there's his wonderful ability to make every statement a profound "quotable quote" ("You are the best asset and the worst obstacle in your life." "Loss fires your spirit, and it steels your mettle.") I finished reading Love Leadership last Friday, and recommended it to a friend on Saturday who went to the bookstore in the next hour to buy it. I'm currently re-reading it and I think I will be re-reading it many times over, and putting Bryant's advice into practice. This book has given me a blueprint for how to take my organisation to the next level -- by going back a level and fixing the foundation. The story that sticks with me most is the one about how Operation HOPE found itself short on fulfilled pledges for 2008 because of the economic crisis. Most leaders would have accepted this as a natural side-effect of an ailing economy but not Bryant. He got in there, rolled up his sleeves and got to work raising funds. Operation HOPE ended the year raising more than what was originally pledged. Bryant lives what he teaches: "Fear is a prosperity killer." "It takes the power of love to banish fear... that love takes the form of long-term business relationships built on caring and doing good." "Love leadership puts love into action." So should we all.

John Hope Bryant is a man of conviction; dynamic & inspiring. His program, Operation HOPE has given hope to communities in their pursuit of a fearless path to economic prosperity. This book delivers a message of hope for anyone, that we can live our lives fearlessly, and with purpose; it's all about focusing on helping others first. To the self-absorbed cynics throughout society, Bryant's message of "hope" may be perceived as nothing more than tired platitudes, with no real practical benefit in the real world. Wrong. His logic is sound; his advice relevent. This is a book that has very real, pragmatic solutions for much of our social challenges. We just have to read it and heed the advice. Bryant's central theme revolves around eliminating the "fear-based" attitudes that seem to have taken over the world. I've been ranting about a "fear-based" culture permeating corporate America for quite some time; how it's killing innovation, employee morale, and productivity. Bryant takes that same concept and projects it to the world as a whole. It's time society changes that mindset. It's time to stop thinking about "Number One". That way of thinking has put us in the mess we're in today. Change is critical to our long-term well-being as a society. Bryant is a true visionary, with a wonderful message to deliver. I hope the world listens, for its own sake.

They say our lives are made not of atoms but stories. Bryant shares with us his own transformation from a man intent on proving himself successful in the traditional, business sense to one whose life finds meaning in the service of others. The author, now vice chair of the U.S. President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, entered the post-riots-zone of 1990s South Central Los Angeles, invited in some major power brokers who might not normally cruise this part of town and exposed them to the repressed yet golden potential that resided within the people of this community. Seeding financial literacy programs and additional services whereby citizens could own their own homes and businesses, he and his enlightened partners helped clear a space for hope to emerge from the ashes. Yes, these are the stories of l-i-f-e! On a larger scale, Bryant takes on the fear, greed and "short term-ism" so rampant in modern day capitalism and asks us to consider the possibilities of a "good capitalism." (As I read this, I thought: Can we refine the rules of capitalism. One answer: Why not?!) Bryant shares many stories of successful business leaders, ministers, aspiring youth, line workers and U.S. Presidents who have inspired him. He challenges us to challenge ourselves to become "best in class" players in terms of how we apply our leadership talents in the world. On a personal note, as I read this book I also pondered my own legacy and the tradition of servant-leaders from which I come (although back in the day, they were just good people trying to advocate for those less fortunate.) Many of us can tap into such legacies as it's the stuff this country was built on. Bryant makes a profound case for casting off our exuberant apathy and clearing a space for the power of love leadership to burn bright. This book will show you how. Maura Conlon-McIvor, Author, FBI GIRL.

As a student of leadership and a voracious reader of more than 100 books on the subject, I would like to compliment John Hope Bryant on writing a book that I believe ranks among the best that I have read. Love Leadership is an outstanding inaugural writing effort from an exciting new author. This book is an easy read, but it's points of emphasis are anything but leadership lite. This is heavy weight, substantive, material. The concepts of Love Leadership apply to everyone who leads and since leadership is everyone's business - this book is suitable for everyone and applies to everyone. My particuar favorite among John's leadership principles states "No storm...no rainbow." You can't have one without the other. I used that concept personally this evening when coaching a young man who was experiencing some personal stuggles. This individual needed leadership, but he also needed love. John's foundational beliefs enable the reader to easily and seamlessly apply both effectively. The book is interesting and well written. Mr Bryant writes with passion, energy and enthusiasm. He also writes with skill and knowledge. This was a page turner that I read in two days. When I put it down, I couldn't wait to pick it up again. I am a highlighter when I read and I found much to highlight in this book. His precepts are right on target. They are meorable and I will reference them often my role as a leader and a teacher of leaders. John brings a bold, fresh, and courageous approach to a well documented, well researched, and frequently written about subject. I have have discussed this book with my friends and I enthusiastically recommend it to others. Read Love Leadership...you won't be disappointed.

I couldn't put this book down and literally finished it in one day. It's definitely an inspiring method of leadership and absolutely true. If you've led or have experienced being led in both ways ("fear" and "love") you'll definitely pick the ladder as the best path to take when you're trying to reach your goal and have to use other people to get to your goal. As a leader, I find myself using "nuggets" of truth from LOVE LEADERSHIP to inspire the people who I work for and with. John Bryant is truly a man of this method. I encourage you to read and practice the "LOVE LEADERSHIP" method if you're not already doing so. Jocelyn