True North – Bill George with Peter Sims
“True North” explores the concept of authentic leadership and provides a roadmap for individuals to become more self-aware, purposeful, and compassionate leaders. The book draws on interviews with 125 top leaders and includes personal stories and insights from the authors, as well as practical exercises and tools for readers to develop their own leadership skills.
The Importance of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leaders are self-aware, transparent, and guided by their values. They build strong relationships, communicate openly and honestly, and prioritize the needs of their team over their own. Authentic leadership is critical in today’s rapidly changing and unpredictable world, where trust, empathy, and purpose are essential to building a successful organization.
Leading with Compassion
Authentic leaders are compassionate and empathetic, caring about the well-being of their team members as well as the broader community. They take a holistic view of leadership that encompasses emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-care.
They prioritize work-life balance, create a supportive and healthy work environment, and model behaviors that promote well-being.
Knowing Yourself
The first step to becoming an authentic leader is to understand who you are, what motivates you, and what your values are. This requires deep self-reflection, the courage to confront your weaknesses and biases, and a willingness to seek feedback and learn from your mistakes. Knowing yourself is the foundation for leading others and achieving your goals.
Leading through Adversity
Authentic leaders are resilient and adaptable in the face of adversity. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning and are not afraid to take calculated risks. They remain calm under pressure, communicate effectively, and lead by example, inspiring their team to stay focused and motivated during difficult times.
Leading with Purpose
Authentic leaders are driven by a sense of purpose that goes beyond financial gain or personal recognition. They are passionate about making a positive difference in the world and are committed to serving a greater cause. By aligning their values, vision, and actions with their purpose, they inspire and motivate their team to achieve their shared goals.
Continuously Learning and Growing
Authentic leaders are lifelong learners who seek new knowledge, skills, and experiences to enhance their leadership capabilities. They are open to feedback, embrace change, and take ownership of their personal and professional development. They seek out mentors, coaches, and advisors who can guide them and challenge them to grow and improve.
Creating a Positive Impact
Authentic leaders measure their success not only by financial metrics but also by the positive impact they have on their team, organization, and society. They are purpose-driven and committed to creating a better world by addressing social and environmental challenges. They leverage their resources and influence to support causes they care about and inspire others to do the same.
Building Relationships
Effective leadership requires strong relationships based on trust, respect, and empathy. Authentic leaders invest time and energy in getting to know their team members, listening to their perspectives, and supporting their growth and development. They create a culture of inclusiveness, collaboration, and support, where everyone feels valued and engaged.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Authentic leaders recognize that diversity is a strength and that every individual brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. They foster a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcomed and respected, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, or background. They challenge their own biases and assumptions and embrace different viewpoints to drive innovation and creativity.