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Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders
Before Joel Manby won the respect of America with his appearance on the CBS reality TV series Undercover Boss, he was a highly successful corporate executive. After the show aired, many of the 18 million viewers wrote to him about the profound impact of his servant leadership. How does a person achieve that level of success without arrogance or pride? In Love Works, Joel Manby introduces us to the power of Christlike love in the workplace. After years of leading thousands of men and women, Manby has proven that leading with love is effective, even in a business environment. Manby challenges leaders to allow integrity and faith to guide leadership decisions, outlining seven time-proven principles that break down the natural walls within corporate cultures, empowering managers and employees, disarming difficulties, and cultivating an atmosphere that builds long-term success. Manby also leverages the undeniable truth that love builds healthy relationships at home---why not use the same behavior to build healthy relationships at work?
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
150 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 8, 2015
This is the way I'd like to lead and coach and mentor. Based on strong Christian values though not overly religious.
The BEST lesson for me in this book: Be "truthful: be open to hearing the truth. No matter how you do it, find an accountability partner in your life who will always tell you the truth about yourself."
The second best lesson for me: "DO versus BE in all things: model a lifestyle of leading with love. BE goals are completely within your power to execute. True contentment comes when we act in alignment with one set of values at work, at home, and in the community."
Examples of leading with love:
Love is a verb
Patient: Have self-control in difficult situations.
Praise patiently in public. Be specific. Be legitimate.
Admonish in private. Get to the point and be specific; reaffirm the person’s value; get the person back on the horse; don’t speak of the reason for admonishment again.
Kind: show encouragement and enthusiasm. Make their day better. Every time you contact someone, you can make their day better or worse, so make it better. Making their day better sometimes requires very little action of effort.
Trusting: Involve others in the decisions that affect them. This may take more time than an autocratic decision, the total time through implementation will usually be shorter.
Unselfish: think of yourself less.Be unselfish with your personal time and talent to make yourself, your organization, and the world better. Be unselfish with your decision-making authority: a strong leader should aim to make as few decisions as possible.
Forgiving: release the grip of the grudge.
What was done to you doesn’t matter in the end – all that matters is how your respond.
Dedicated: stick to your values in all circumstances.Great leaders know how to reward people.
The BEST lesson for me in this book: Be "truthful: be open to hearing the truth. No matter how you do it, find an accountability partner in your life who will always tell you the truth about yourself."
The second best lesson for me: "DO versus BE in all things: model a lifestyle of leading with love. BE goals are completely within your power to execute. True contentment comes when we act in alignment with one set of values at work, at home, and in the community."
Examples of leading with love:
Love is a verb
Patient: Have self-control in difficult situations.
Praise patiently in public. Be specific. Be legitimate.
Admonish in private. Get to the point and be specific; reaffirm the person’s value; get the person back on the horse; don’t speak of the reason for admonishment again.
Kind: show encouragement and enthusiasm. Make their day better. Every time you contact someone, you can make their day better or worse, so make it better. Making their day better sometimes requires very little action of effort.
Trusting: Involve others in the decisions that affect them. This may take more time than an autocratic decision, the total time through implementation will usually be shorter.
Unselfish: think of yourself less.Be unselfish with your personal time and talent to make yourself, your organization, and the world better. Be unselfish with your decision-making authority: a strong leader should aim to make as few decisions as possible.
Forgiving: release the grip of the grudge.
What was done to you doesn’t matter in the end – all that matters is how your respond.
Dedicated: stick to your values in all circumstances.Great leaders know how to reward people.
February 15, 2019
As a first time reader of managerial books, I really enjoyed that this was a simple read with clear messages. My personal life is based on giving as much love as I can to any and everyone that I encounter, so to see this written out so simply and applied to work life really resonated with me. I was concerned, at first, with the Jesus aspects of Manby's message, but as I have said for years, Jesus was great! If you don't believe he's God (I don't) that's neither here nor there, but if you listen to his message, you can't help but see, be, and do good in the world. We've gotten such a bizarre version of Christianity embedded in our American culture that it's easy to dismiss people as toxic who freely speak of Jesus. And while I have no idea what Manby's political leanings are (nor am I willing to look and find myself potentially disappointed!,) I am willing to take this segment of his message in the spirit in which it is intended: treat people well - celebrate them - encourage them - set healthy boundaries, goals, and guideposts - and it's likely that you'll do well as a manager.
May 25, 2013
Leading with love is challenging, but the rewards are great for the business and the leader. I saw Manby speak on this at the Toastmasters International convention in 2013 and immediately bought the book. The author freely shares his process in learning to lead with love, mistakes and all. The process is laid out in easy-to-understand sections with great examples. I highly recommend this book to any leader.
October 3, 2012
Fantastic book that challenges how we try people that live and work around us each and everyday!
August 29, 2015
Basically a simple manual for treating employees with respect. Nothing really new, and I don't think the references to Christianity late in the book were necessary.
January 9, 2020
A practical book on how to make Love a foundational part of your work/organizations culture. Everyone who feels like work is a drag or their work environment is too cut throat inside of the organization could learn a lot from the challenges in this book.
July 20, 2021
A user-friendly, and engaging read about a foundation of leadership that has stood the test of time - through love (agape).
Highly recommend.
You can feel the humility Joel writes with, and it allows the reader to feel his compassion for sharing this work with the world.
Highly recommend.
You can feel the humility Joel writes with, and it allows the reader to feel his compassion for sharing this work with the world.
August 17, 2012
Every year a group of students with The Navigators collegiate ministry live and work in Branson at Silver Dollar City, while being trained in their walks with Christ. It is a pleasure to work alongside SDC management in order to provide a stellar work experience to supplement their spiritual training. This wonderful work by Joel highlights why the students have such a great experience each year. SDC provides a great guest experience because of their unusual investment in their workforce.
May 1, 2013
Wow. This one is worth a re-read. Imagine working in a place where employees donate to charity, the company matches funds, the owners then donate on top of that and it's all to help fellow employees in need. A place where people are treated as trustworthy until proven otherwise. This is the what this book is about- leading with love. It certainly helped me better understand how to work with people.
December 3, 2018
Like most books in this genre, there are things I really liked, and others not so much. I did really enjoy the story about receiving hand written notes, and then sending them - those do make an impact and a lasting, positive impression/memory, so my goal is to do more of that.
May 15, 2013
One of the best books on leadership I have ever read. So practical and helpful. One can apply the concepts immediately. Give to your entire team!
February 15, 2024
Solid. Thoughtful. Refreshingly honest. Well-narrated audiobook (by the author).
Some of my personal takeaways, concepts, and quotables I chewed on:
- [ ] “There’s no such thing as a finish line.” Our work or whatever will always demand or take more, if we let it.
- [ ] “All it takes is the desire to do the right thing and a lot of hard work.”
- [ ] “The enthusiasm of the guest experience can never rise higher than the enthusiasm of your employees.”
- [ ] “Chief Encouragement Officer” - we can all be CEO
- [ ] Every day you contact someone you’ll either make their day better or worse. Make it better.
- [ ] Value of hand written notes. What do you want to reinforce? Write supportive notes (to spouses, too).
- [ ] Don’t let the size of the problem prevent you from taking action.
- [ ] Unselfish: think of yourself less.
- [ ] “You can’t lead with love unless you love the truth.”
- [ ] Forgive: release the grip of the grudge
- [ ] “Power without love is reckless and abusive. Love without power is sentimental and anemic.” (MLK)
- [ ] “We all have to do lists. But few of us have ‘to be’ lists.”
- [ ] “Fitting in does not breed contentment because you are not being your authentic self.” -Brene Brown
- [ ] “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.”
- [ ] “Those that get you in trouble have a hard time getting you out of trouble.”
- [ ] “Guilt is the source of sorrow. Tis the fiend, the avenging fiend, that follows us behind with whips and stings.” Nicholas Roe
- [ ] “Being honest and calling out for hope is the only way forward.”
- [ ] “The worst of my actions and feelings do not seem to me so as offensive as the cowardice of not daring to admit them.” -Montaigne (Psalm 40:1-3)
- [ ] “Nobody FEELS your intentions. They only feel your actions.”
- [ ] “Keep your key relationships your key relationships.”
- [ ] “Being honest with yourself is vital…The longer we go without honest self-reflection, the greater the chance that self-deception will creep in and take root.”
- [ ] “You cannot never escape the wilderness entirely on your own. You can never climb out of the pit yourself. You can do everything right, you can work harder than everybody else. But unless you discover who you are - forgiven, accepted by God - you will fail in the end.”
Some of my personal takeaways, concepts, and quotables I chewed on:
- [ ] “There’s no such thing as a finish line.” Our work or whatever will always demand or take more, if we let it.
- [ ] “All it takes is the desire to do the right thing and a lot of hard work.”
- [ ] “The enthusiasm of the guest experience can never rise higher than the enthusiasm of your employees.”
- [ ] “Chief Encouragement Officer” - we can all be CEO
- [ ] Every day you contact someone you’ll either make their day better or worse. Make it better.
- [ ] Value of hand written notes. What do you want to reinforce? Write supportive notes (to spouses, too).
- [ ] Don’t let the size of the problem prevent you from taking action.
- [ ] Unselfish: think of yourself less.
- [ ] “You can’t lead with love unless you love the truth.”
- [ ] Forgive: release the grip of the grudge
- [ ] “Power without love is reckless and abusive. Love without power is sentimental and anemic.” (MLK)
- [ ] “We all have to do lists. But few of us have ‘to be’ lists.”
- [ ] “Fitting in does not breed contentment because you are not being your authentic self.” -Brene Brown
- [ ] “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.”
- [ ] “Those that get you in trouble have a hard time getting you out of trouble.”
- [ ] “Guilt is the source of sorrow. Tis the fiend, the avenging fiend, that follows us behind with whips and stings.” Nicholas Roe
- [ ] “Being honest and calling out for hope is the only way forward.”
- [ ] “The worst of my actions and feelings do not seem to me so as offensive as the cowardice of not daring to admit them.” -Montaigne (Psalm 40:1-3)
- [ ] “Nobody FEELS your intentions. They only feel your actions.”
- [ ] “Keep your key relationships your key relationships.”
- [ ] “Being honest with yourself is vital…The longer we go without honest self-reflection, the greater the chance that self-deception will creep in and take root.”
- [ ] “You cannot never escape the wilderness entirely on your own. You can never climb out of the pit yourself. You can do everything right, you can work harder than everybody else. But unless you discover who you are - forgiven, accepted by God - you will fail in the end.”
August 10, 2020
This is one that I downloaded as it was recommended to me in a couple of different places and I needed to use up some Audible credits, so I was surprised when many of the points fell straight out of your standard early-90s agape-themed church sermon (full disclosure: card-carrying Christian right here). There are a couple of awkward stories/examples given, which I won't spoil here, and I was bemused that the author starts every chapter like "It was a hot August morning in Missouri" or something similar. And as some other authors have pointed out, if you're already reading management books, this doesn't present a ton of new material.
But all that being said, every single one of the points laid out in this method of management checks out. In my opinion, treating people with *love* (the verb, as he's adamant about pointing out), or doing what I would call "loving on" people, builds a lot more long-term capital than having the last, searing, livid word in a spittle-flying conference room argument. While he talks a lot about how to implement this as a member of leadership, there were also some really good, practical examples given of how you can enact this philosophy even if your role is at the lowest rung of the proverbial ladder. I found it encouraging that he fully accepts that this can go wrong sometimes, and that going out of your way to show trust, empathy, and give people second chances can knock you on your butt. But if you acknowledge your options, think about the alternative, and weigh the value of acting with integrity even when it's not the fastest way to profit for the particular day, it's still the way to go.
But all that being said, every single one of the points laid out in this method of management checks out. In my opinion, treating people with *love* (the verb, as he's adamant about pointing out), or doing what I would call "loving on" people, builds a lot more long-term capital than having the last, searing, livid word in a spittle-flying conference room argument. While he talks a lot about how to implement this as a member of leadership, there were also some really good, practical examples given of how you can enact this philosophy even if your role is at the lowest rung of the proverbial ladder. I found it encouraging that he fully accepts that this can go wrong sometimes, and that going out of your way to show trust, empathy, and give people second chances can knock you on your butt. But if you acknowledge your options, think about the alternative, and weigh the value of acting with integrity even when it's not the fastest way to profit for the particular day, it's still the way to go.
May 2, 2021
Love Works: Seven Timeliness Principles for Effective Leaders by Joel Manby
Refreshing. Inspiring. Sobering. This book delves into what it looks like to lead with love and unpacks the principles with tangible examples.
The authors transparency of his own personal failures and lessons he learned as a result are a great testimony to why leading with love works and how the absence of it ushers in suffering.
The beauty of it is that he didn’t let his suffering go to waste. His shared openly the 3 unhealthy moves that led to his failure and the 3 healthy moves that led him to restoration. His mistakes are so relatable, so I’m giving a sneak preview here...
Unhealthy moves:
1. Seeking happiness instead of contentment
2. Not being honest with yourself
3. Failing to seek good professional help fast enough
Healthy moves:
1. Seek restoration for yourself
2. Reorder your loves
3. Forgive yourself
My biggest takeaway - making time to stay plugged into the Source of love, God Himself, is essential for leading with love and the best protection against failing to love. It takes intentionality and effort to lead with love. Anywhere worth going does though.
No matter what title we hold or role we fill, we are all leaders. As long as we’re alive, we influence one way or another. We get to make a choice daily. Choosing wisely matters....we never know the ripple effect of what one act of love can do.
This book is an easy and enjoyable read - and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make a lasting impact with love. Because as the title of the book says, love works.
Refreshing. Inspiring. Sobering. This book delves into what it looks like to lead with love and unpacks the principles with tangible examples.
The authors transparency of his own personal failures and lessons he learned as a result are a great testimony to why leading with love works and how the absence of it ushers in suffering.
The beauty of it is that he didn’t let his suffering go to waste. His shared openly the 3 unhealthy moves that led to his failure and the 3 healthy moves that led him to restoration. His mistakes are so relatable, so I’m giving a sneak preview here...
Unhealthy moves:
1. Seeking happiness instead of contentment
2. Not being honest with yourself
3. Failing to seek good professional help fast enough
Healthy moves:
1. Seek restoration for yourself
2. Reorder your loves
3. Forgive yourself
My biggest takeaway - making time to stay plugged into the Source of love, God Himself, is essential for leading with love and the best protection against failing to love. It takes intentionality and effort to lead with love. Anywhere worth going does though.
No matter what title we hold or role we fill, we are all leaders. As long as we’re alive, we influence one way or another. We get to make a choice daily. Choosing wisely matters....we never know the ripple effect of what one act of love can do.
This book is an easy and enjoyable read - and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make a lasting impact with love. Because as the title of the book says, love works.
October 21, 2022
Super quick read—it only took me a few hours! I would highly recommend this book to anyone in leadership; while geared toward higher-level organizational or corporate leaders, any leader would benefit from the principles presented in this book. It was highly digestible even when discussing concepts specifically related to business.
While not overtly Christian, I appreciated the author’s incorporation of biblical principles. He did not shy away from his faith & values, and in doing so, practiced what he preached in the book!
He told a lot of personal stories to support his points (maybe too many for my taste—I wish he had spent a little more time on practical applications to the reader). I also thought that he stated a few ideas too absolutely when I’m sure there are exceptions.
At the time of writing this book, the author worked for the company that owns Dollywood. My husband and I went to Dollywood last spring, and we absolutely loved it—I can see firsthand how the organizational culture transfers to a positive guest experience! I wish more companies focused on leading with love more than profits and competition.
While not overtly Christian, I appreciated the author’s incorporation of biblical principles. He did not shy away from his faith & values, and in doing so, practiced what he preached in the book!
He told a lot of personal stories to support his points (maybe too many for my taste—I wish he had spent a little more time on practical applications to the reader). I also thought that he stated a few ideas too absolutely when I’m sure there are exceptions.
At the time of writing this book, the author worked for the company that owns Dollywood. My husband and I went to Dollywood last spring, and we absolutely loved it—I can see firsthand how the organizational culture transfers to a positive guest experience! I wish more companies focused on leading with love more than profits and competition.
February 21, 2022
This offers a helpful framework for leading organizations with self-giving, action oriented love. It also includes some important personal reflections on living with love as the end goal for our character. The author (Manby) comes out of the business world and offers good examples and anecdotes from his experience, both personally and professionally. It wasn't quite as practical as I hoped, but still good.
Aside from allowing agape love to drive the core values of an organization, which is the primary contribution of this book, I think a key contribution of this book (especially the revised edition) is also how we respond when we personally and professionally fail to live out agape love.
Aside from allowing agape love to drive the core values of an organization, which is the primary contribution of this book, I think a key contribution of this book (especially the revised edition) is also how we respond when we personally and professionally fail to live out agape love.
May 31, 2019
I don’t work in business professionally, but I can only assume that the author’s philosophy about using love in the workplace would be considered illogical. In business, business matters. But Manby effectively demonstrates how simple, everyday kindnesses and actions, regardless of their setting can have a lasting, tremendous impact, which is good for everyone. His musings are not only inspiring, but backed by research. And the practical suggestions he lists at the end of each section could have application in any setting, among any group of people. This is a book to read and reread.
October 2, 2022
This book has some great takeaways on leadership and management! RACI for keeping projects on track, reviewing performance using a template of “same as, more of, less of”, vetting out potential managers but determining if they’re micromanagers or if they can trust their team. “Do goals” and “be goals” (define your values at home and at work, ideally finding an overlap where you can be the same person at both)
Making sure you don’t let your upbringing/need for money affect your family through consequentially poor work/life balance.
Making sure you don’t let your upbringing/need for money affect your family through consequentially poor work/life balance.
September 1, 2025
A clear and compelling call to lead with love in life and the workplace. I thoroughly enjoyed Joel's style and anecdotes. The content reminded me of a crucial chapter of The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom - changing what you measure (your life's "scoreboard") will change your habits & results. For example, Joel's company measures / scores their employees' "kindness" and it's a part of their annual review. Of course they'll then get a better company culture! I'd recommend this to all leaders, especially those feeling burnt-out on corporate America.
Read
January 24, 2022This was a recommended book for a gal at work and I thought it was amazing. While it’s primarily a book for organizations and managers, it ties directly into 1 Corinthians – Chapter 13 (the love chapter). Manby discusses how the seven timeless principles from the Bible create effective leaders and makes an organization better.
His seven principles are: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated.
I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read and very informative.
His seven principles are: patient, kind, trusting, unselfish, truthful, forgiving, dedicated.
I highly recommend this book. It’s a quick read and very informative.
June 14, 2022
I liked this book. It has a few really good illustrative stories in it. The idea of letting love be an org expectation is powerful. This book didn’t “wow” me but it’s decent.
The updated version includes notes from the author about his failed marriage and mistakes (not elaborated upon) that lead to the divorce. I admire the vulnerability. I’m not sure at first it helps his ideas…yet, the honesty therein can help us apply what us being taught.
The updated version includes notes from the author about his failed marriage and mistakes (not elaborated upon) that lead to the divorce. I admire the vulnerability. I’m not sure at first it helps his ideas…yet, the honesty therein can help us apply what us being taught.
September 5, 2022
I’m really glad I was able to read the updated edition from 2020. It was originally a morbid desire to understand why Joel is no longer CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment but in reality it was because God knew I needed to hear about his experiences right at this moment. This was a first read, however, I’m planning a second read with a physical book to absorb and develop my action plan to lead with love in my personal life and professional.
January 16, 2017
After having been burnt out on business and leadership books for many years, this was the first one I picked up (well, "listened to") in many years...and I can say that I am more inspired than I have been for years. The connection between HFE's roots of Silver Dollar City in my home state of Missouri and ties to my hometown of today, Atlanta, as well as community leaders and influencers I greatly respect made me feel like I was sitting down having coffee with a wise mentor to get sage career advice. Regardless of whether or not you have a career outside the home, the words of Joel Manby ring true for living a fulfilling, content and purposeful life where you can make a difference in the lives of those around you. #inspired #everyoneisaleader #begoalsbeforedogoals
June 25, 2018
This is a respectable guide to basic leadership, providing principles to awaken one's personal legend and to direct effective leadership to others rather than self. It is worth a read, and it will provide benefits to anyone striving to improve upon their leadership prowess.
Dr. James Arthur Williams
Author of From Thug to Scholar
Dr. James Arthur Williams
Author of From Thug to Scholar
June 8, 2017
I think this book should be on everyone's reading list. The concepts are simple to understand, but something we can all improve on. There are so many books like this that just talk about managing people but literally anyone can benefit for leading with love, and the book points that out.
October 19, 2018
If I could give this book 10 STARS, I would.
It is a transformational leadership and management book that should be the first one, after the Bible, that everyone should read starting any new position, career, or change of career.
GET IT AND READ IT!
It is a transformational leadership and management book that should be the first one, after the Bible, that everyone should read starting any new position, career, or change of career.
GET IT AND READ IT!
December 30, 2019
I read this for a work class, but it was simple and engaging and I believe the principles it contains are sound. I’ve taken away some important points that I will implement in my life at work and home.
September 28, 2022
Reading this before going into the job market after college is essential.
Not only does it adjust your heart towards God, but it helps you realize that your job doesn't have to be dreadful. Even if you aren't going into a leadership position, Manby addresses how you can honor your coworkers and truly help them feel loved as you work.
I read this with a group and I highly recommend that it be read that way. Reading a chapter, putting it into practice that week, and then debriefing with a group who is doing the same thing is a great way to refocus yourself towards practical love in a secular environment.
Not only does it adjust your heart towards God, but it helps you realize that your job doesn't have to be dreadful. Even if you aren't going into a leadership position, Manby addresses how you can honor your coworkers and truly help them feel loved as you work.
I read this with a group and I highly recommend that it be read that way. Reading a chapter, putting it into practice that week, and then debriefing with a group who is doing the same thing is a great way to refocus yourself towards practical love in a secular environment.
August 20, 2023
Open, honest and affirming sharing about leadership experiences. Relatable and a critical message but not soft as the title might make some assumptions.
The honesty of the author gives it an quality not often found in today's leadership books.
The honesty of the author gives it an quality not often found in today's leadership books.
June 20, 2017
Great read with lots of helpful insights on leadership and strengthening ones team!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews