In his viral TED talk “Why Ordinary People Need to Understand Power,” Eric Liu points out that, even though many might think of power as something that is at its core malevolent or evil, power is actually a neutral force. Just like fire, or the knowledge of physics, power can be used for good or ill. Nevertheless, our thinking about power has been shaped by all of the troubling ways that we have seen it wielded, whether to simply physically force one person’s will upon another, or to more subtly manipulate and control others’ thoughts and emotions.

Despite the risks of the dark side of power, now more than ever our world needs leadership that is not only powerful but also deeply good.  In Gentle Power (Sounds True, 2023), Dr. Emilia Elisabet Lahti casts a vision for leadership that comes, not from a domineering and coercive position of power, but from a deep inner strength that is at once robust and powerful but  also tender and considerate. This gentle power, a graceful strength invigorated by integrity, thoughtfulness, and compassion, influences others in a way that is deeply compelling, capturing hearts and minds in a way that is not possible through a show of sheer force.

Inspired by the Finnish concept of sisu, Lahti explores how gentle power can help us confront the many challenges we face today, both on a social and personal level. To live out this gentle power, sisu directs us to not only take a new approach to leadership, but a more balanced approach to our lives as a whole. “At its best,” Lahti 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.” This balance is what gives gentle power its strength, as it is not only powerful, but also integrated with all the other things – character, joy, purpose, and peace – that make us fully human.