True North

About the Author

Bill George is a prominent figure in the field of leadership and management, renowned for his insightful perspectives on authentic leadership. He is a professor of management practice at the Harvard Business School and served as the chairman and CEO of Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology. George is also the author of the best-selling book "Authentic Leadership," which has significantly influenced the discourse on leadership. In "True North," he collaborates with Peter Sims, a Stanford Graduate School of Business alumnus who helped establish the "Leadership Perspectives" course and co-founded the London office of Summit Partners.

Main Idea

"True North" delves into the concept of authentic leadership, proposing that true leadership comes from following one's internal compass—referred to as "True North." This compass represents an individual's deepest values and principles, guiding them through life's challenges and complexities. The book is grounded in extensive research and interviews with 125 top leaders, offering a diverse and rich tapestry of experiences and insights. The central premise is that anyone can become an authentic leader by aligning their life story with their leadership and staying true to who they are.

Table of Contents

1. Learning from Authentic Leaders
2. The Journey to Authentic Leadership
3. Why Leaders Lose Their Way
4. Transformation from 'I' to 'We'
5. Knowing Your Authentic Self
6. Practicing Your Values and Principles
7. What Motivates You to Be a Leader?
8. Building Your Support Team
9. Staying Grounded: Integrating Your Life
10. Leadership with Purpose and Passion
11. Empowering People to Lead
12. Honing Your Leadership Effectiveness
13. Linking Leadership Style and Power

Learning from Authentic Leaders

Authentic leaders are characterized by their ability to inspire and empower those around them. Unlike traditional views that profile leaders based on traits, authentic leadership emphasizes the complexity and individuality of leaders. Authentic leaders bring people together around a shared purpose, empowering them to lead authentically. According to Bill George, "The authentic leader brings people together around a shared purpose and empowers them to step up and lead authentically in order to create value for all stakeholders."

Dimensions of an Authentic Leader

• Pursuing Purpose with Passion: Without a genuine sense of purpose, leaders are vulnerable to their egos and narcissistic tendencies.
• Practicing Solid Values: Values are personal and define a leader. They cannot be imposed by others.
• Leading with Heart: Authentic leaders lead with both their hearts and minds.
• Establishing Enduring Relationships: Building lasting relationships is a hallmark of authentic leaders.
• Demonstrating Self-Discipline: High levels of self-discipline are necessary to achieve consistent results.

To become an authentic leader, one must understand oneself and take responsibility for their development. This lifelong journey requires a commitment to personal growth and learning.