Leadership Development Book: 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 the ability to inspire hope comes in. I've used the HOPE Playsheet from Ian for many years and have seen firsthand how it has radically changed mindsets, motivations, and outcomes for many people, positively impacting workplace culture and enhancing leadership strategies.

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 learnable; this book will guide you through both, making hope a natural part of your personal development process. 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 various patterns and ideas but also provides readers with practical leadership strategies to cultivate hope even in the toughest seasons.

This book is a valuable resource for all leaders or those aspiring to lead, who are looking to demonstrate realistic optimism and effective leadership.

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

I am very grateful for Ian and the time he has invested 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 in your personal development, *Hope is a Strategy* offers both inspiration and a clear 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—not just to bring us back together, but to inspire hope and pull us back together. Hope is a Strategy can do just that.

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

Hope is a Strategy can help you take that niggle of hope telling you that things will get better and transform it into something tangible. This is a must-read for every leader, especially those who are focused on effective leadership strategies and are hopeful about a changing future for the world of work. Read this book, apply the learnings, and make hope happen in your personal development journey!

'Hope is a Strategy' is needed now more than ever. It’s both profound and practical, serving as a great reminder that when we focus on hope, we can inspire hope for a better future for ourselves and others. Ian writes beautifully, infusing his work with a full heart and deep knowledge as he shares his inspiring personal stories, coaching wisdom, and extensive research. 

Highlighting the importance of belief, trust, and effective leadership strategies, this book feels like a conversation with a friend—someone 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 for personal development to inspire hope. I particularly love the “Hope Playsheet,” a new method of self-coaching that combines hope with 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. 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 truly believe this in my heart. 

Ian, through his warmth, generosity of spirit, and beautiful writing, inspires hope and takes us on a journey to understand what hope is and isn’t. He shows us how to encourage ourselves and others to find it, and most importantly, he provides a structure that enables 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! 

For me, the way hope manifests in the workplace is particularly significant, and I love that this approach can help leaders at all levels develop effective leadership strategies that incorporate hope into their daily practices. 

Hope can and will change the world!

As a beacon of positivity, Ian has always sought to inspire hope in everyone he meets. In this book, he shares valuable leadership strategies that help you understand, develop, and build on your skills as a leader. This guide will empower you to learn and teach both hope and trust. It's a timely release, arriving at a moment when choosing hope is more important than ever.