Gentle Power: A Revolution in How We Think, Lead, and Succeed Using the Finnish Art of Sisu

A manual for the evolution of everyday leadership based on the Finnish science of sisu--from a leading researcher and teacher on the topic.

Power is fundamental in our lives--we express it in every conversation, relationship, and choice we make. All too often, we equate force and domination with power, while gentleness and compassion are considered "soft" or "weak." The destructive nature of this skewed perspective has never been more obvious, yet there is reason to hope. With Gentle Power, Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti shares an illuminating guide to an emerging shift in the way we define true strength--an approach that balances resolve with reason, grit with compassion, and personal success with service to the collective good.

Lahti uses the concept of sisu, a central philosophy native to Finland, as the foundation for her investigation of gentle power. "At its best," she says, "sisu is a harmonious approach to life itself, specifically in how we make decisions, relate to one another, and navigate times of crisis and peace." Drawing from sisu--as well as aikido, Taoism, neuroscience, systems intelligence, and more--she shares an evidence-based approach to help you transform the way you manifest power. Join her to explore:

- Sisu--its history, its shadow, and the rising global interest in this profound philosophy
- Leadership and power--why toxic myths of power persist, and how we can dismantle them
- The paradox of gentleness--how inner resilience and true influence arise from vulnerability, empathy, and love
- Self-care--why gentle power begins with the way we treat ourselves

To understand power is to realize that leadership is not just for some selected minority--we are all leaders whose choices impact those around us. "Each of us can play a vital role in the collective transformation that the world is calling for," Lahti writes. "It all starts in our own heart, in our own gentle power." Here you'll discover a path of wisdom, resilience, and compassionate strength that will elevate your life--and uplift others to take part in a new revolution of human empowerment.

ISBN-13: 9781683649694

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Sounds True - Incorporated

Publication Date: 01-24-2023

Pages: 192

Product Dimensions: 9.10(w) x 6.20(h) x 0.70(d)

Emilia Elisabet Lahti, PhD, is an awarded educator, applied psychology researcher, and founder of Sisu Lab, which builds communities and organizational cultures based on everyday leadership as expression of courage and compassion. Her work has been featured by The New Yorker, Business Insider, BBC, Forbes, and more. Originally from Finland, she’s taught internationally and given talks at Fortune 500 companies, TEDx, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley. For more, see sisulab.com.

Table of Contents

Preface: An Invitation to Gentle Power ix

Introduction 1

Part I Opening Thoughts on Leadership and Power

Chapter 1 You Are the Leader Now 11

Chapter 2 Getting Over the Power Paralysis 21

Part II Gentleness

Chapter 3 Finding the Path 37

Chapter 4 The Paradox of Gentleness 43

Chapter 5 The Science of the Good Heart 51

Part III Fortitude

Chapter 6 The Serendipitous Road to Sisu 67

Chapter 7 The Three Essences of Sisu 73

Chapter 8 The Shadow of Sisu 85

Part IV The Nature of Gentle Power

Chapter 9 Know the Tough, Live from the Soft 95

Chapter 10 Self-Worth 103

Chapter 11 Gentle Power and Society 109

Part V Gentle Power in Daily Life

Chapter 12 Sadhana (What Every Leader Needs) 117

Chapter 13 Systems Intelligent Leadership 123

Chapter 14 The Alchemy of Gentle Power 133

Conclusion 149

Acknowledgments 151

Further Reading 155

Notes 157

About the Author 175

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