True North

Are you staying true to who you are as a leader, or is the noise of the world pulling you off path?

1. Authentic Leadership Stems from Your Life Story

Your life story holds the key to the kind of leader you can become. By reflecting on formative moments, you understand your values and can let them guide your leadership. Leaders who connect to their experiences are more genuine and impactful.

Howard Schultz, Starbucks' founder, is inspired by memories of his father's workplace struggles after an accident left his family without health coverage. This led Schultz to offer health insurance to part-time employees. Similarly, Reatha Clark King broke barriers as a Black woman in the 1940s, earning a PhD and devoting her career to helping the underserved. Their life stories gave both leaders a True North, directing them toward meaningful and authentic leadership.

Examples

• Schultz’s father’s injury influenced Starbucks' employee policies.
• King’s childhood amid racial discrimination motivated her career in helping others.
• Reflecting on one's own story can clarify values and spark action.

2. Overcome Self-Centeredness to Stay on Course

Success can lead leaders astray. Some lose their way when they pursue personal gain over true purpose. Leaders risk becoming an Imposter (cunning but directionless), a Rationalizer (values-flexible), a Glory Seeker, a Loner, or a Shooting Star who rises too fast.

Philip Purcell, the former CEO of Morgan Stanley, is an example of an Imposter archetype. He manipulated his way to power but alienated his team. Losing sight of purpose not only harms a leader's credibility but disrupts their ability to inspire others.

Examples

• Rationalizers value short-term wins over long-term success.
• Shooting Stars sacrifice balance, overwhelming themselves.
• Purcell’s tactless approach cost him talented employees.

3. Leadership Is About Empowering Others

Authentic leadership isn’t about having followers—it’s about enabling others to thrive. Instead of being the hero of the story, they help others discover their potential and shine.

Oprah Winfrey shifted her leadership vision after an emotional interview with abuse survivor Trudy Chase, where she recalled her own trauma. From that point, empowering others, especially women, became her mission. Steve Rothschild also transitioned from self-focused ambitions at General Mills to leading Twin Cities RISE! to help economically disadvantaged individuals succeed.

Examples

• Oprah's experience reshaped her show's purpose.
• Rothschild's venture created opportunities for the underserved.
• Authentic leaders transform personal challenges into collective gains.

4. Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Authenticity

True leadership begins with knowing yourself. Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and how others view you can align your actions with your values.

Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen felt out of place in the tech world but succeeded by acknowledging his strengths in business and marketing. Meanwhile, David Pottruck, once seen as self-serving at Charles Schwab, learned through feedback to develop trust and teamwork, driving the company’s success.

Examples

• Chizen's honest self-assessment helped him overcome insecurities.
• Pottruck rebuilt trust by addressing blind spots about his behavior.
• Self-awareness fosters collaboration and more informed decisions.

5. Living by Your Values Requires Perseverance

It's easy to stick to your values in calm moments, but the real test comes in challenging times. Authentic leaders hold firm to their principles, even under pressure.

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy refused to pay bribes to expedite business processes in India, delaying operations but showing ethical leadership. Likewise, David Gergen, after observing Nixon’s missteps, championed transparency in his future roles.

Examples

• Murthy upheld honesty despite operational delays.
• Gergen turned Nixon's scandals into lessons on integrity.
• Testing values shows accountability and resilience.

6. Find Inspiration in Intrinsic Motivation

Extrinsic rewards like paychecks and titles can offer temporary satisfaction but don’t fulfill true purpose. Leaders must connect to intrinsic motivations derived from passions and life meaning.

Gap Chairman Bob Fischer found renewed purpose during a fishing trip. The sight of old mining tools sparked his environmental consciousness. Balancing his company's operations with conservation efforts proved both rewarding and profitable.

Examples

• Young leaders often choose high-salaried jobs over fulfillment.
• Fischer blended corporate goals with personal convictions.
• Intrinsic goals provide enduring motivation beyond material wealth.

7. Build a Support Team

Even the best leaders need support. Mentors, personal groups, and close relationships provide guidance and stability during tough times. Leaders grow within strong networks.

Dave Dillon benefited from daily calls with mentor Chuck Fry, who taught him better business strategies. Bill George also formed a lifelong men’s peer group, which provided him with crucial feedback and clarity.

Examples

• Dillon's mentor Fry enhanced his leadership skills.
• George leaned on his men’s peer group for wisdom.
• Mentors and peers can identify blind spots others miss.

8. Integrate Personal and Professional Life

Authentic leaders lead balanced lives, uniting work, family, and community to stay true to their core values. Finding alignment between responsibilities avoids internal conflict.

Kris Johnson left a demanding job at Medtronic to prioritize her daughters, maintaining family bonds amidst leadership duties. Leaders also stay grounded by spending time in places that remind them of their roots, as Akshata Murthy does by returning to India.

Examples

• Johnson balanced career moves with family needs.
• Murthy stays connected to her heritage and purpose.
• Grounded leaders maintain satisfaction in all life areas.

9. Authentic Leaders Stay True in Highs and Lows

Staying down-to-earth helps leaders avoid arrogance during success or disconnection in failure. Committing to humility ensures continuous growth and authentic decision-making.

Great leaders pause to recharge, often in reflective spaces, to gain clarity. Whether it’s family traditions or personal rituals, grounding practices ensure they remain connected to their True North.

Examples

• Reflection spaces offer perspective after highs or lows.
• Remaining connected to support systems fosters humility.
• Authenticity ensures consistency regardless of stress levels.

Takeaways

1. Reflect on your life story to identify one value or principle that resonates deeply with you. Use this as a guide in personal and professional decisions.
2. Actively seek feedback from mentors, peers, or colleagues to uncover blind spots that might hinder your growth.
3. Reevaluate your motivations regularly. Prioritize intrinsic goals over external recognition to sustain long-term purpose and fulfillment.