Book 18

Authentic Leadership

by Bill George

Published 1 January 2003
In the wake of continuing corporate scandals there have been few, if any, CEOs that have stepped forward as models of "doing things right"—except the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Bill George. George has become the unofficial spokesperson for responsible leadership—in business, the media, and academia.

In Authentic Leadership Bill George makes the case that we do need new leaders, not just new laws, to bring us out of the current corporate crisis. He persuasively demonstrates that authentic leaders of mission-driven companies will create far greater shareholder value than financially oriented companies. During George's twelve-year leadership at Medtronic, the company's market capitalization soared from $1.1 billion to $460 billion, averaging 35% per year.

George candidly recounts many of the toughest challenges he encountered -- from ethical dilemmas and battles with the FDA to his own development as a leader. He shows how to develop the five essential dimensions of authentic leaders—purpose, values, heart, relationships, and self-discipline. Authentic Leadership offers inspiring lessons to all who want to lead with heart and with compassion for those they serve.

Bill George helps readers answer vital questions such as: What should I do when my personal values conflict with company business values? How do I make trade-offs between the needs of my customers, my employees, and my company's shareholders? Do I really want to devote my talents to business? Authentic Leadership provides a tested guide for character-based leaders and all those who have a stake in the integrity and success of our corporations.


Book 143

True North

by Bill George and Peter Sims

Published 7 March 2007

Book 156

Based on Bill George's bestselling book True North, this personal guide offers leaders a comprehensive method for identifying their unique "True North." The book offers methods for personal reflection and includes targeted exercises that help leaders hone in on the purpose of their leadership and developing their authentic leadership skills.

Book 166

One of the country's most trusted leaders offers time-tested and real world advice for leading in economic hard times

From business giant Bill George, the acclaimed author of Wall Street Journal's bestseller True North, comes the just-in-time guide for anyone in a leadership position facing today's unprecedented economic challenges. The former CEO of Medtronic draws from his own in-the-trenches experience and lessons from leaders (representing an array of companies) who have weathered tough economic storms. With straight talk and clear directions, George shows leaders specifically what they must do to become strong leaders and survive any crisis. His seven lessons include: Face Reality, Starting with Yourself; Never Waste a Good Crisis; and Be Aggressive: This is Your Best Chance to Win in the Market. Seven Lesson for Leading in Crisis is a survival kit for anyone in a leadership position.

A concise handbook for applying proven leadership lessons in tough timesWritten by Bill George one of America's most trusted business leaders and author of True North and Authentic LeadershipOffers realistic actions leaders can take to put their companies on the right long-term path

Seven Lesson for Leading in Crisis gives leaders a solid strategy for staying the course.


A personal guide for becoming an authentic leader

Whether you are just starting your leadership journey or leading a large organization, The Discover Your True North Fieldbook will help you find your leadership purpose, that internal Compass that provides direction and keeps you oriented—your True North. Through a series of reflective exercises, this Fieldbook helps you become a better leader by learning to be a more authentic one.

This Fieldbook both personalizes and unlocks the central lessons of its companion book, Discover Your True North by Bill George. It shares the most powerful insights that coauthors Nick Craig, Bill George, and Scott Snook have learned from helping more than 10,000 leaders discover and live up to their fullest potential. Each chapter contains potent exercises that help you mine your life story for deep insights and important patterns. As you work your way through these reflections, you will gain a clearer sense of who you are and why you lead—the essence of an authentic leader.

We offer an identity-based approach to leader development. Rather than telling you how to lead, the Fieldbook guides you through an intimate process of personal discovery. By understanding your life story and sharpening your personal narrative, you will discover the unique leader you were meant to be. On the way, you will work through the same lessons taught to MBA students at Harvard Business School, as well as senior executives in many Fortune 100 companies.

The Discover Your True North Fieldbook will help you:

  • Become more self-aware and self-accepting
  • Locate that sweet spot at the intersection of your passions and strengths
  • Identify and lead from your core values when it matters most
  • Build a robust support team to guide you through difficult times
  • Discover your leadership purpose, the essence of who you are, your True North
  • Stay grounded by integrating all aspects of your life
  • Grow as a global leader
  • Help others become authentic leaders

To help you actually live your True North, this Fieldbook concludes by offering a rigorous, step-by-step process that generates a customized, behaviorally anchored Personal Leadership Development Plan. This plan not only summarizes and integrates everything you've learned completing this Fieldbook, but does so in a way that supports immediate action and impact. Welcome to your journey toward authentic leadership. Welcome to your True North.

Visit www.DiscoverYourTrueNorth.org to learn more.


An unmatched exercise in leadership and self-discovery, written by a best-selling author and the preeminent thought leader on authentic leadership today

In the newly revised Emerging Leader Edition of the True North Fieldbook, seasoned executive and Harvard Business School Executive Fellow Bill George delivers an eye-opening discussion of how to find your leadership purpose: your True North. Through a series of reflective exercises, you’ll become a better leader by reconnecting with what makes you effective and unique.

In the guide, the author walks you through your own life story, sharpening your personal narrative through an intimate process of personal discovery. You’ll discover the same lessons taught to MBA students at Harvard Business School and senior executives in many Fortune 100 companies. The Emerging Leader Edition of the True North Fieldbook also offers:

  • New and updated case studies and content from up-and-coming leaders about navigating crises
  • Strategies for encouraging diversity and inclusivity without engaging in tokenism
  • Ways to generate a customized, behaviorally anchored Leadership Development Plan that supports immediate action and impact

A can’t-miss roadmap to authentic leadership efficacy, the True North Fieldbook will open your eyes to the once-in-a-lifetime leadership opportunities that await you.