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Note: Due to Internet connectivity issues I was not able to post to my blog the past few days- so I have been very anxious to get this submission to everyone.
January 29, 2010 I finished reading the book Love Leadership: The New Way to Lead in a Fear-Based World written by my friend, John Hope Bryant. Everyone that knows me knows that I love reading books…I’m a human sponge. Let me be brutally honest…this book is a page turner from beginning to end; no dull moments, no fluff, no superfluous jargon, and no attempt to mislead readers- just love in its purest form…but not ‘soft’ love. If you’re thinking of camp fires and marshmallows then you are far from accurate. John’s delivery is to the point, clear, concise and eloquently raw. He has a way with words, and a gift for showing you how to look within to lead efficaciously and build toward your vision swiftly.
Love Leadership does not need to pound concepts and theories down your throat, or manipulate you into a brainwashed regurgitating ‘puppet’ of theories and catchy phrases; it makes you open your mind and heart and accept whatever limitations that you possess as a leader, and encourages you to seek a positive change, in order to get the desired residual effects from your team/group/family. It encourages you to seek out your desires no matter if professionally or personally, and to focus your attentions on “good” capitalism and not “bad” capitalism…where wealth accumulation does not come at the cost of someone else’s well being or your own. No soul-selling, back-stabbing, shoulder climbing, or cutting of throats here folks! You can ‘get yours’ the ethical way.
John’s book reinforces my belief that leaders do not need to lead with an iron fist, but rather with love, respect and compassion for the fellow man. John and other well-known and respected leaders share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences on the difference between fear-based leading and one directed in love. Leaders that believe that fear will instill or reinforce the necessary characteristics of disciplined and loyal workers are disillusioned and clearly insecure of their own shortcomings. Leaders that believe that they can cut ‘corners’, overlook unethical behavior or dabble in it ‘this time’ are only setting themselves up for a slippery slope of mania. These leaders eventually fail.
Leaders need to possess a balance of task-orientation and people-orientation in order to lead with a focus on the job at hand and the valued workers that get the job done. When you lead with fear and intimidation you breed contempt and resentment; a sense of inequity grows from deep within and eventually your followers begin to show signs of defiance, which is counter-productive to your organization’s growth and success.
John Hope Bryant shares five laws of love-based leadership which include:
1. Loss Creates Leaders
2. Fear Fails
3. Love Makes Money
4. Vulnerability is Power
5. Giving is Getting
Do not let the tone of these laws confuse your thinking that this book or Love Leaders are somehow soft, weak, or inadequate. Contrary to your preconceived notions to lead in love is exactly what Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., César Chávez, Albert Einstein, and others did. This is the type of leadership that Nelson Mandela, Leymah Gbowee, and numerous other leaders live by and encourage.
I do not know about you, but from my readings and interpretations, Jesus was nobody’s punk or fool…he possessed a strength, passion, desire, conviction, and wisdom that enticed thousands upon thousands to follow and study under him. Jesus is the only person past or present that could bring out the masses in droves like he did. We are impressed when an entertainer fills an arena or stadium, could you see Jesus as the headliner? Talking about standing room only! Now that is a sign of leadership.
Love leaders are those who earn respect, they do not demand it or expect to receive it freely. They love people even if they do not like the person’s character or behavior. Love leaders understand that it takes the human element in order for the marketplace to thrive and survive. It takes human compassion to truly reach others and re-charge the dead or dying batteries many people have buried within themselves. It takes a strong person to lead in and with love. It takes a sense of vulnerability to expose some or all of yourself to those you lead so they see “you” and in turn desire to invest in your mission and vision.
Let’s look at an example of turnover rates within organizations. I use this example because it is relevant, especially now during our current climate of unemployment and underemployment.
High turnover rates are a sign to me that leaders within that organization are lacking the adequate skills to lead, motivate, encourage, create and maintain healthy vital relationships. High turnover, whether voluntary or involuntary is a clear indicator of a weakened organization that could fall in time like a house of cards…all it takes is one or two cards to move and it all comes tumbling down.
If your organization is struggling, showing signs of weakness and defiant behavior, reading and genuinely applying the concepts and laws within John Hope Bryant’s Love Leadership book will help create an immediate shift in your thinking…and that of those you lead who then see and feel a shift in the environment they spend most of their time.
If you are planning a business start-up, and you are in your beginning or middle stages of research and implementation be sure to purchase a copy of Love Leadership to help you while designing your business and marketing plans, and operations manual. [I must insert a shameless plug right here…if you need help with your business start-up contact me for a consultation].
I would suggest that every man and woman that hopes to take on leadership roles whether in the community, in the workplace, your home, or your church, purchase a copy of this book TODAY! Love Leadership also serves as a great read for book clubs and other groups, wanting to share in the depth and breadth of this wonderful principle, movement, and way of being; simply called…Love Leadership!
This book needs to be a part of every organization’s and home-based library worldwide. I share this book review with love and the deepest level of respect…enjoy!
Love Leadership can be purchased at: Amazon.com, BN.com, Borders.com, BAMM.com, through audible.com, and iTunes, and of course at a book retailer near you.
Copyright © 2010 by Natasha L. Foreman. All rights reserved; except displayed images.
Image of Love Leadership book retrieved from http://johnhopebryant.com/ with permission
Image of woman at finish line source credit: Getty Image/Getty Image retrieved from www.marieclaire.com/…/running-medium-new.jpg
Image of screaming woman source credit: http://ashleybolivar.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/anger.jpg
Image of “Unemployment” source credit: http://jobjabber.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/unemployment.jpg
Image of “I Quit” source credit: http://www.ere.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/istock_000007867680xsmall.jpg
Paradigm Life 
>Sounds like a very promising book. If it's anything like your testimony above … I imagine it's a must-read.Co-sign the acknowledgment that prominent leaders such as Lord Jesus Christ, Gandhi, Mandela and Dr. King all led in love and compassion for humanity. High turnover rates are a sign to me that leaders within that organization are lacking the adequate skills to lead, motivate, encourage, create and maintain healthy vital relationships.So true.
>Yes, this book is absolutely amazing. I have read numerous leadership, business, organizational management, and motivational books…John Hope Bryant has nailed down what leadership and love truly mean separately and collectively. You shouldn't let a day go by without picking up a copy or getting it as an audio book. I will say this is one of few books that I will read numerous times and I know for a fact I will never get bored or jaded.Once you get your copy please let me know. I'd love to dialogue with you!Warmest wishes,Natasha