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Love and Profit the Art of Caring Leadership
In business, it is no longer necessary to sacrifice integrity and peace of mind in favor of profits. Successful Fortune 500 executive James A. Autry effectively explodes the myth that "nice guys finish last" in what is perhaps the most practical, honest and humane management book ever written -- an indispensable handbook that explores every aspect of the fine art of creative and caring leadership.A unique primer for business in the '90s, Love and Profit offers clear, direct and compassionate guidance, dealing situation by situation with the most difficult decisions every manager must inevitably face -- from motivating high achievers to letting nonproductive employees go. A rare and innovative work, it will enable you to manage brilliantly and profitably during the day ... and sleep well at night.
219 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
6 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
James A. Autry
43 books9 followersPoet, lecturer, and management consultant James A. Autry was born March 8, 1933, in Memphis, Tennessee, but he grew up in Benton County, Mississippi, and in 1955 received a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Mississippi, where he was later named a Distinguished Alumnus and elected to the Alumni Hall of Fame. A former president of the Meredith Corporation’s Magazine Group, publisher of such magazines as Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies’ Home Journal, and Successful Farming, he took an early retirement in 1991 to focus more on his present career as speaker and management consultant.
Autry has published ten books, two of which are volumes of poetry. In 1991, the Kentucky Poetry Review published a special issue devoted to Autry’s poetry, and he received national prominence as one of the poets featured on Bill Moyers’ special series The Power of the Word on PBS.
He and his wife, Sally Pederson, live in Des Moines, Iowa.
Autry has published ten books, two of which are volumes of poetry. In 1991, the Kentucky Poetry Review published a special issue devoted to Autry’s poetry, and he received national prominence as one of the poets featured on Bill Moyers’ special series The Power of the Word on PBS.
He and his wife, Sally Pederson, live in Des Moines, Iowa.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 5, 2013
It is a very simple message that is not pursued often enough. Genuinely care about your business associates...show interest in them as people...and profits (not only monetary) will follow. Leaders who care inspire loyalty, and are more quickly forgiven when they make mistakes.
The author provides so many examples of this business philosophy with ample evidence that it works. I also found it intriguing to read some of the results of his pondering in his business poetry..."Not an oxymoron," as he once noted. His background in both the military and as the head of a magazine publishing house has given him a unique perspective mixed with "down home" wisdom of the common sense variety.
Loving people in business is an attribute often expressed as "respect" because "love" connected with our jobs (outside of a religious order) makes many of us feel vaguely uncomfortable. Yet love in the sense of "what happens to you truly matters to me" is the ultimate secret to engagement. The author does an outstanding job of expressing this. This is one of the best leadership books I've ever read.
The author provides so many examples of this business philosophy with ample evidence that it works. I also found it intriguing to read some of the results of his pondering in his business poetry..."Not an oxymoron," as he once noted. His background in both the military and as the head of a magazine publishing house has given him a unique perspective mixed with "down home" wisdom of the common sense variety.
Loving people in business is an attribute often expressed as "respect" because "love" connected with our jobs (outside of a religious order) makes many of us feel vaguely uncomfortable. Yet love in the sense of "what happens to you truly matters to me" is the ultimate secret to engagement. The author does an outstanding job of expressing this. This is one of the best leadership books I've ever read.
May 15, 2008
I gave it four stars, only because I reserve five for books that I will talk about unprompted.
The title is provocative enough because "love" and "profit" are two words that don't often go together. The lessons within are important, inspiring and withstand the test of time. (If I remember correctly, the book was written in the early 90s.)
If nothing else, read and ponder on the section, The Job or The Work.
The title is provocative enough because "love" and "profit" are two words that don't often go together. The lessons within are important, inspiring and withstand the test of time. (If I remember correctly, the book was written in the early 90s.)
If nothing else, read and ponder on the section, The Job or The Work.
March 11, 2014
I read this book for a class at FCCJ ....Leadership with BJ Haussman Pofessor. After reading, I completed a paper on this particular style of Leadership....Caring Leadership. Guess it is what is being referred to of late as Servant Leadership......
July 16, 2011
This book is a great manifesto on how to care.....business is so hateful sometimes, we forget that business is really not the point of life.
December 26, 2014
One of the best business books I have read.
June 11, 2016
This book reintroduces love into the workplace. The common sense that's in this book is what we already know but is written in a way that's memorable. This will change the way you lead everyone.
November 18, 2024
Leadership
Hi Everyone!
Today’s story is about leadership. Leadership can be different and challenging however, in this book I found how is the leadership done “right”.
The name “Love and Profit” might be somehow confusing but in the end is the learnings we take that matter. So, what is most important in Autry’s opinion we are about to find out.
He challenges the traditional "profit-first" mindset, arguing that authentic, caring leadership fosters loyalty, productivity, and long-term success. He sees leaders as caregivers and encourages balancing profit with people-centred decisions.
Autry also encourages leaders to bring their authentic selves to work and lead with integrity. This honesty helps create a trusting and open culture, essential for any team’s well-being and cohesion. I cannot agree more on this point.
It’s important recognizing emotions—both yours and others'—is vital. Leaders should be self-aware, empathic, and mindful of how their words and actions impact others. This emotional intelligence promotes a positive work environment.
Autry stresses the importance of truly listening to team members, not just hearing them. He offers practical advice on active listening and how transparent communication fosters an environment of respect and understanding.
While Autry recognizes the need for profitability, he argues it shouldn’t come at the expense of people. He presents a model of success where caring for employees, customers, and stakeholders results in profit as a byproduct of good practices.
The book itself highlights servant leadership policy, where the leader’s role is to serve others rather than control them. By putting employees' needs first, leaders inspire loyalty, creativity, and a commitment to shared goals.
Lastly, the author encourages leaders to practice mindfulness and self-reflection, which help in making thoughtful decisions. He believes reflection helps leaders stay grounded and focused on their values.
I believe these principles combine to offer a vision of leadership that marries compassion with effectiveness, promoting workplaces where people can thrive, feel valued, and contribute meaningfully.
Overall is a good book and a very comfortable reading if you want to dive into it.
If you don’t mind I’d like to ask you “the reader of this post” if you’d read a book what it would be and why? I might include it in my overgrowing to-do book list and some of them even will read and post my thoughts here.
Please leave your answer in the comments.
Thank you and wish you all a great week ahead!
Yours,
Pav
Hi Everyone!
Today’s story is about leadership. Leadership can be different and challenging however, in this book I found how is the leadership done “right”.
The name “Love and Profit” might be somehow confusing but in the end is the learnings we take that matter. So, what is most important in Autry’s opinion we are about to find out.
He challenges the traditional "profit-first" mindset, arguing that authentic, caring leadership fosters loyalty, productivity, and long-term success. He sees leaders as caregivers and encourages balancing profit with people-centred decisions.
Autry also encourages leaders to bring their authentic selves to work and lead with integrity. This honesty helps create a trusting and open culture, essential for any team’s well-being and cohesion. I cannot agree more on this point.
It’s important recognizing emotions—both yours and others'—is vital. Leaders should be self-aware, empathic, and mindful of how their words and actions impact others. This emotional intelligence promotes a positive work environment.
Autry stresses the importance of truly listening to team members, not just hearing them. He offers practical advice on active listening and how transparent communication fosters an environment of respect and understanding.
While Autry recognizes the need for profitability, he argues it shouldn’t come at the expense of people. He presents a model of success where caring for employees, customers, and stakeholders results in profit as a byproduct of good practices.
The book itself highlights servant leadership policy, where the leader’s role is to serve others rather than control them. By putting employees' needs first, leaders inspire loyalty, creativity, and a commitment to shared goals.
Lastly, the author encourages leaders to practice mindfulness and self-reflection, which help in making thoughtful decisions. He believes reflection helps leaders stay grounded and focused on their values.
I believe these principles combine to offer a vision of leadership that marries compassion with effectiveness, promoting workplaces where people can thrive, feel valued, and contribute meaningfully.
Overall is a good book and a very comfortable reading if you want to dive into it.
If you don’t mind I’d like to ask you “the reader of this post” if you’d read a book what it would be and why? I might include it in my overgrowing to-do book list and some of them even will read and post my thoughts here.
Please leave your answer in the comments.
Thank you and wish you all a great week ahead!
Yours,
Pav
March 26, 2023
As with some other recent reads, I read this because it was in the shared library in my office (a university department of educational leadership). I hope we donate it, because 1) it’s incredibly dated and 2) it focuses exclusively on business management, and I’m sick of efforts to transplant business management thinking into educational leadership.
October 29, 2017
It seems like a personal management note - not well structured, but still can get something from it
Stay balanec between work and life
Businees is about relationship - care about your employees
Chief cheer leader
Stay balanec between work and life
Businees is about relationship - care about your employees
Chief cheer leader
July 18, 2018
Such a guiding principle for leaders. I find myself talking about this book even now, so many years after I read it. When you really care about someone, that is when you can lead them most effectively. This book is a must read for me.
- Colleen Ferrary
- Colleen Ferrary
Read
March 15, 2025This is a great book for leaders, whether at work or any other organization, for managers or non-managing leaders.
April 16, 2013
This was a difficult read in that had a difficult time reading it. I am not sure why after all this time but that is what I remember.
Read
June 20, 2013Belonged to deceased spouse.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews