Gentle Power - by Emilia Elisabet Lahti (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Nobody has taught me more about sisu than Emilia Elisabet Lahti. In this beautiful book, Elisabet shows us how strength and toughness are not the same thing. A much-needed antidote to the myth of mind over matter, and a touching, honest story of one woman's journey to discover the true origins of grit and fulfillment." --Angela Duckworth, PhD, MacArthur Fellow, Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and New York Times bestselling author of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

"This captivating and heartfelt book invites readers on a compelling journey to their fullest expression of power and leadership." --Emma Seppälä, PhD, Yale School of Management, author of The Happiness Track

"A beautiful book written by one of the most important voices in positive psychology. Part balm and part rallying call, this book is a deep well for the weary positive champions who are searching for a way to transform the lives of others and to discover a more powerful path to an empowered, connected, and hopeful world." --Shawn Achor, New York Times bestselling author of Big Potential and The Happiness Advantage

"Gentle Power is a brilliant and refreshing idea. Lahti is a rare combination of real-life adventurer and scientist. With the warmth and authenticity typical to her writing, she outlines an inviting path toward our highest expression through the power of everyday relationships." --Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, host of The Psychology Podcast and Founder and Director of the Center for Human Potential

"Lahti examines how attachment styles can be employed to understand ourselves and others with more compassion and thereby assist us into evolved forms of leadership. Throughout Gentle Power, Lahti kindly nudges us toward bold self-inquiry and genuine, life-changing empowerment." --Diane Poole Heller, PhD, author of Crash Course, The Power of Attachment, and Healing Your Attachment Wounds

"Emilia Elisabet Lahti is a pioneering researcher and rising star in the new human potential movement. Gentle Power, her first book, is a bold invitation into what's possible as a human being. Infused with a powerful combination of backbone, heart, and original research, Lahti gently but persuasively challenges readers to question perceived limitations and, ultimately, transform barriers into frontiers." --Joshua Steinfeldt, host of The Courageous Life podcast, mindfulness teacher, and professional coach

About the Author

Emilia Elisabet Lahti
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.