Hope is a Strategy

What a gem! There's so much value in the teachings and tips included in this book. Working in change management and strategy, it's all about getting people to act differently, which is incredibly hard. To act differently, you need to feel differently, and to do that, we must think differently. That's where hope comes in. I've used the HOPE Playsheet from Ian for many years, and seen firsthand how it has radically changed the mindset, motivations, and outcomes for many people while positively impacting workplace culture. 

As someone who loves to understand the context of subject matter, this book was an exploration of the wider history, cultures, application and impact of hope. Words have impact and this is a reclamation of one of our most powerful words at hand. 

Every leader, manager, parent or friend can use this method to help coach and care for others. Hope is teachable, and hope is learnable; this book will guide you through both, making hope a natural part of your process.  And, I love how this book can positively impact not just our working lives, but every aspect of life, enabling us to live richer, more fulfilling lives. 

I know that hope isn’t just a feeling, it’s the spark that drives action, sustains resilience, and fuels the fight for justice. Ian Pettigrew understands this deeply. In Hope is a Strategy, he not only explores the power of fostering hope through the patterns and ideas but gives readers practical ways to cultivate Hope in even the hardest of seasons.

This is a book that will help all leaders or aspiring leaders who are looking to demonstrate realistic optimism and effective leadership.

Ian’s support on our international board and with of our staff teams in Ethiopia and Uganda has shown me the impact of his words in action; his coaching brings strength and encouragement to those working on the frontlines of complex, emotionally demanding work. This book is an extension of that same generosity and wisdom.

I am very grateful for Ian and the time he has taken to invest in others by writing this book. It’s timely, grounded, and beautifully written. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating uncertainty, or simply trying to move forward, Hope is a Strategy offers both inspiration and a path to follow.

Ian, his work, and this book, are symbols of hope that come at a much-needed time. Negativity is rising, toxic positivity is rife, isolation and disconnection are growing rapidly, and something needs to close the gap, to not just bring us back together, but to pull us back together, and Hope is a Strategy can do just that.  

Ian has an ability to beautifully combine research, play, academia and the human touch in all that he does, and he’s captured all of this beautifully in his first (of many?) books. 

Hope is a Strategy can help to take that niggle of hope that you have telling you that things will get better, and show you how to take that hope, and turn it into something tangible.  This is a must read for every leader, especially those who are hopeful about a changing future for the world of work. Read this book and then take the learnings and make hope happen! 

‘Hope is a Strategy’ is needed now more than ever. It’s both profound and practical and serves as a great reminder that when we focus on hope, we can create a better future for ourselves and others. Ian writes beautifully, bringing both a full heart and deep knowledge to the subject, as he shares his inspiring personal stories, coaching wisdom and extensive research. 

Highlighting the importance of belief, trust and the power of coaching, this book felt like a conversation with a friend, the kind who won’t let you give up, even when you want to. Above all, Ian’s words encourage us to believe that we can influence what comes next in our lives. 

This book is highly practical and provides us with tools and techniques to inspire hope. I particularly love the “Hope Playsheet”, a new way to self-coach, combining hope and inspired action.

Whether you’re navigating personal change, leading a team or hoping to make your mark on the world, this book is a must read. And if you’ve ever been tempted to give up, this book will stop you in your tracks and remind you that hope really is a choice and a very powerful strategy. 

“Things are better when we choose hope. Hope is a strategy” I believe this in my heart.

 Ian, through his warmth, generosity of spirit and beautiful writing takes us on a journey to truly understand what hope is and isn’t, how to encourage ourselves and others to find it and most importantly a structure to enable all of us to be more intentional about the role of hope in our daily lives - at work, at home, in our communities and in the world! 

In particular for me, is how hope shows up in the workplace and I love that this can help leaders at all levels to develop hope as a strategy in their daily practices. 

Hope can and will change the world!” 

As a beacon of positivity Ian has always shared and inspired hope with those he meets. 

Here in this book, he explains how you can understand, develop and build on your skills as a leader to learn, and teach hope and trust. 

A book that has arrived when it’s so important to choose hope.