"True North:Discover Your Authentic Leadership"

"If you are facing in the right direction, all you have to do is keep on going"

-Buddhist Proverb

"True North" is a book co-authored by Bill George and Peter Sims that explores the concept of authentic leadership and how to develop it. Bill George is a former CEO of Medtronic and a Harvard Business School professor who has written extensively about leadership, while Peter Sims is a leadership consultant and co-author of "Little Bets."

In "True North," Bill George and Peter Sims draw on the experiences of 125 leaders, including business executives, social entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders, to explore what it means to be an authentic leader. The book provides a practical and inspiring framework for developing one's leadership skills based on a deep understanding of one's values, strengths, and passions.

The authors argue that authentic leadership is rooted in self-awareness, and they provide a range of tools and exercises to help readers understand their own leadership journey. They also emphasize the importance of building relationships, cultivating a sense of purpose, and leading with humility and empathy. The author outlines five dimensions that an executive generally needs to lead with authentic leadership:

1. Purpose: Without knowing the reason why one chooses to be in his or her leadership position, there is the danger of becoming overconfident and arrogant.

2. Practice solid values: One should be wary of losing any integrity in company practices or in response to pressure from others. One should always seek to maintain this key value; otherwise, one is at risk of losing others’ trust as a leader.

3. Heart: This means one should put their heart into their work. This implies being passionate about what one does in the company and having the courage to maintain company morale and carry everyone through hard decisions.

4. Relationships: One should embody trust and confidence within their relationships so that they are able to last, an indicator of one’s commitment to the company.

5. Self-discipline: This aspect is crucial as it involves being accountable for one’s responsibilities as well as ensuring others within the company are as well.

Moreover, "True North" is a highly regarded book that has been praised for its practical insights and inspiring stories. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact on the world.

Reference:

BOOK REVIEW: “True north: Discover your authentic leadership” by bill George (2007). (2013, September 23). GlobalEd. https://globaleduc.wordpress.com/2013/09/23/book-review-true-north-discover-your-authentic-leadership-by-bill-george-2007/