A Higher Loyalty

"What good is having power if we don't also have compassion and humility?" James Comey explores this question throughout his journey in law enforcement and leadership in A Higher Loyalty.

1. Early Lessons on Empathy and Responsibility

James Comey’s early experiences of bullying equipped him with a deep sense of empathy and a desire to protect vulnerable people. Growing up in Allendale, New Jersey, Comey struggled as a scrawny, awkward new kid who became the target of relentless torment. These encounters made him astutely perceptive, fostering an ability to detect aggression in others.

Later, while working at a local grocery store under Harry Howell, Comey learned about leadership through compassion and fairness. Howell was a tough, no-nonsense boss who also knew when to show understanding. When Comey spilled milk while overstacking crates, Howell didn’t berate him; he simply asked if the mistake had taught him a lesson. This approach motivated Comey more than punishment ever could.

These two experiences formed an inner drive in Comey: to advocate for those who lack defenses and to embrace accountability with a nurturing approach. He recognized that resilience and guidance go hand in hand.

Examples

• Being bullied in school helped him identify signs of fear or aggression in others.
• Spilling milk at the store taught him the constructive power of mistakes.
• Working for Harry Howell revealed how compassion strengthens leadership.

2. A Life-Changing Encounter with Danger

At just sixteen years old, Comey experienced a harrowing, life-threatening event that would alter his future path. A gunman broke into his home and held James and his brother Pete at gunpoint. While they escaped without harm, the trauma left a profound mark on him.

This event made Comey question what truly mattered in life. Initially, he considered a career in medicine to make a difference, but while at college, philosopher Reinhold Niebuhr’s writings shifted the course of his life. Niebuhr’s belief in humanity’s flaws, yet its capacity for justice, resonated with Comey’s growing sense of purpose.

Feeling called to help people at their most vulnerable moments, Comey decided to pursue law. That single, terrifying evening unlocked his drive for a lifetime in public service aimed at protecting justice and fairness.

Examples

• A home invasion at age sixteen pushed Comey to reevaluate his purpose.
• Studying Niebuhr introduced philosophical frameworks to pursue justice.
• The realization of humanity’s vulnerability inspired his career in law.

3. Lessons from Confronting Mafia Power

While prosecuting New York mobsters like the Cosa Nostra, Comey discovered how fear corrupted leadership. Mob bosses relied on ritualistic oaths and intimidation, perpetuating a toxic, self-serving loyalty that elevated obedience over integrity.

This realization stood in stark contrast to the mentorship he received from Helen Fahey, a leader who cultivated genuine loyalty through trust and selflessness. As his boss at the US Attorney’s office in Virginia, Fahey represented the antithesis of fear-based control. Her leadership style focused on investing in her team and showcasing humility.

The juxtaposition between mob dominance and Fahey’s generosity illustrated to Comey the stark difference between loyalty imposed through fear and that earned through respect. He carried this insight forward, always striving for principled leadership.

Examples

• Cosa Nostra’s loyalty oaths revealed the disingenuity of fear-based allegiance.
• Helen Fahey’s courtroom support emphasized the power of earned respect.
• Observing both extremes solidified Comey’s values on ethical leadership.

4. Upholding Justice in the Face of Celebrity Influence

When prosecuting Martha Stewart for insider trading in 2001, Comey made a defining stand for equality under the law. Stewart had used confidential market information to sell stocks but compounded her actions by lying to federal investigators.

Despite public backlash accusing Comey of seeking media attention, he argued the importance of impartial justice. A system becomes meaningless if wealth or status sways the rules. Comey made it clear that Stewart’s fame would not shield her from accountability.

This high-profile case underscored Comey’s belief in a legal system where no one stands above the law—a principle he upheld across his career, from mobsters to corporate moguls.

Examples

• Martha Stewart’s illegal stock sale demonstrated that fame can’t equate immunity.
• Her attempts to mislead investigators confirmed her intent to defraud.
• Prosecuting her sent a message that justice applies to all equally.

5. Defending Lawful Government Practices

In Washington, Comey’s commitment to lawful governance defined his time as Deputy Attorney General. After the 9/11 attacks, surveillance policies bypassed legal requirements, authorizing programs that lacked oversight. Comey recognized these actions as breaches of the Constitution.

He opposed the Stellar Wind surveillance program, even confronting the White House in a dramatic hospital scene involving his severely ill boss, John Ashcroft. This defiance protected citizens’ civil liberties while reflecting his belief in the rule of law.

Comey’s willingness to challenge authority, even at great personal risk, showed the courage required to hold institutions accountable to their principles.

Examples

• The Stellar Wind case exposed unchecked government surveillance policies.
• Standing up to the White House in Ashcroft’s hospital room illustrated Comey’s resolve.
• Threatening resignation stressed the need for constitutional integrity.

6. Battling the Ethics of Torture

Comey’s tenure also involved navigating the moral gray areas of national security, particularly the Bush administration’s torture policies post-9/11. Practices like waterboarding, deemed legal under outdated memos, appalled Comey.

Without John Ashcroft’s support, Comey urged Alberto Gonzalez, Ashcroft’s successor, to adopt humane interrogation policies. When his efforts proved fruitless, Comey resigned, unwilling to condone methods that contradicted the FBI’s values.

Stepping away exhibited Comey’s moral steadfastness. He refused to compromise his beliefs in fairness and dignity, even as internal government forces resisted change.

Examples

• Bush-era torture policies put Comey at odds with White House priorities.
• Attempts to push humane practices met resistance from Gonzalez.
• Resignation symbolized a refusal to embrace unethical decisions.

7. The Integrity of Leadership

During his tenure as FBI director, Comey outlined six essential traits for leadership: humility, decency, transparency, acting on meaningful principles, balancing kindness with toughness, and communicating effectively. He used these virtues to drive diversity reforms and rebuild trust in the FBI.

Working with President Obama deepened his grasp on these leadership principles. The president’s ability to listen, understand, and unify inspired Comey’s faith in action over rhetoric. By investing in others, leaders foster a committed, ethical team.

Comey’s experience showed that integrity and inclusion must define leadership, especially in challenging times.

Examples

• Obama embodied respectful decision-making during tense national events.
• FBI recruitment programs sought to better reflect America’s diversity.
• Transformative work environments arose from ethical leadership standards.

8. The Clinton Investigation Dilemma

During the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton’s emails, Comey faced intense public and political pressure. He prioritized transparency in announcing the reopening of the case, believing concealment could damage the FBI’s credibility.

Even though the final announcement cleared her before Election Day, critics claimed his actions influenced the election’s outcome. Comey stood firm, trusting his decision to prioritize truthfulness over optics.

The experience illustrated the no-win scenario of leading under scrutiny but reaffirmed Comey’s commitment to openness.

Examples

• Reopening Clinton’s case prioritized transparency over secrecy.
• Public misperceptions of the investigation’s motives added scrutiny.
• Announcing findings preserved the FBI’s nonpartisan role.

9. Ethical Dilemmas Under Trump

Interactions with President Trump reminded Comey of the mafias he once prosecuted. Trump repeatedly sought Comey’s loyalty, asking him to drop investigations into Russian ties and Mike Flynn. This behavior conflicted with the independence of the FBI.

Comey documented each encounter, later sharing his memos to reveal the president’s attempts at obstruction. Though fired for refusing to bend to pressure, Comey viewed his actions as defending the agency’s integrity.

In refusing to pledge fealty, Comey exemplified the boundaries leaders must maintain when principles clash with power.

Examples

• Trump’s demands for personal loyalty paralleled mob tactics.
• Recorded memos highlighted breaches in ethical conduct.
• Refusing loyalty contributed to Comey’s termination for preserving FBI standards.

Takeaways

1. Approach leadership with humility, prioritizing service to others over self-interest.
2. Champion transparency and ethics, even when the easier path invites compromise.
3. Balance empathy with accountability by focusing on guiding and supporting your team through challenges.