Introduction
In a world where leadership is often associated with charisma, vision, and innate talent, Bill George's "True North" offers a refreshing perspective. This book, based on interviews with 125 successful leaders, reveals that great leadership isn't about possessing supernatural abilities or following a set of clichés. Instead, it's about finding and following your "True North" – an internal compass that represents your authentic self and guides you towards becoming the best leader you can be.
"True North" explores the concept of authentic leadership, showing how leaders can stay true to themselves and their values while inspiring others to reach their full potential. The book provides insights into how to develop self-awareness, practice your values, find the right motivations, build support networks, and integrate different aspects of your life to become an authentic leader.
Let's dive into the key ideas presented in "True North" and discover how you can find your own path to authentic leadership.
The Power of Your Life Story
One of the fundamental principles of authentic leadership is drawing inspiration and passion from your own life experiences. We all have unique stories shaped by our past relationships and events. However, authentic leaders have a special ability to extract meaning from these experiences and use them to guide their leadership journey.
Consider the story of Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks. Schultz's leadership style was profoundly influenced by a traumatic event from his childhood. When his father lost his job due to an accident, the entire family lost their health coverage. This experience left a lasting impact on Schultz, who vowed to create a different reality for workers if he ever had the chance.
Years later, when Schultz founded Starbucks, he made it the first company in the United States to offer health coverage to part-time employees working as little as 20 hours a week. This decision wasn't just a business strategy; it was a direct result of Schultz's personal experiences and his desire to create a better work environment for his employees.
Another powerful example is Reatha Clark King, former president of the General Mills Foundation. Growing up as a poor, black woman in Georgia during the 1940s, King faced constant obstacles due to poverty and discrimination. Despite these challenges, she persevered, winning scholarships and eventually earning a PhD in thermochemistry.
King's life experiences shaped her leadership goals. She dedicated herself to creating more opportunities for the poor and helping others overcome barriers of racial and gender discrimination. Her personal story became a source of inspiration, keeping her true to herself and aligned with her True North.
These examples illustrate how authentic leaders use their life stories not just as personal anecdotes, but as powerful tools to shape their leadership style and goals. They don't forget where they came from or the struggles they've overcome. Instead, they use these experiences to fuel a sense of responsibility and drive to make positive changes in the world.
The Dangers of Losing Your Way
As leaders climb the ladder of success, they face an increasing risk of losing sight of their True North. The book identifies five archetypal leaders who are most susceptible to this danger: Imposters, Rationalizers, Glory Seekers, Loners, and Shooting Stars.
Imposters: These leaders lack self-awareness and self-esteem. They achieve success through cunning and aggression rather than authentic leadership. Once they attain power, they care little about how others perceive them.
Rationalizers: These managers prioritize short-term gains over long-term health of the company. They never take responsibility for their actions and will do anything to meet their quotas, even if it means compromising their values.
Glory Seekers: These are the leaders who are motivated primarily by external signs of success – money, fame, power, and acclaim. They measure their worth by these outward symbols rather than by their inner satisfaction or the positive impact they make.
Loners: These leaders fail to develop personal support structures, such as close relationships or mentors. They believe they can and must do everything alone, often unaware that this behavior isolates them and limits their effectiveness.
Shooting Stars: These are leaders who rise too quickly to learn from their mistakes. They often find themselves overwhelmed by personal and professional problems because they never took the time to develop a balanced life or learn from their experiences.
A real-life example of an Imposter is Philip Purcell, the former CEO of Morgan Stanley. Purcell built his power base by manipulating the board and pushing out anyone who questioned his leadership. His style frustrated many talented employees, causing them to leave the company.
The key lesson here is that leadership isn't about personal gain or power. It's about empowering others to lead and reach their full potential. When leaders lose sight of this fundamental truth, they risk derailing their careers and damaging their organizations.
The True Purpose of Leadership
Many aspiring leaders believe that their power lies in their ability to motivate others to follow them. However, "True North" challenges this notion, asserting that authentic leadership is about empowering others to reach their full potential, not about gathering followers.
Often, it takes a transformative experience for leaders to realize this essential purpose. Take Oprah Winfrey, for example. During an interview with a woman who had been sexually abused as a child, Winfrey was reminded of her own traumatic experiences from her youth. This emotional moment led to a profound realization: her mission wasn't just about personal success, but about empowering people worldwide, especially women.
This story illustrates the kind of pivotal events that many authentic leaders experience. These moments often occur during challenging times, forcing leaders to confront the reality that leadership isn't about advancing their own interests. Instead, it's about inspiring others to bring out their best.
Another example is Steve Rothschild, who was a vice president at General Mills in his thirties. Despite his success, Rothschild felt unfulfilled, lacking the satisfaction of leading his own team. This realization led him to leave General Mills and pursue his true passion: helping underprivileged people become financially self-sufficient and develop stronger families.
Rothschild founded Twin Cities RISE!, an organization dedicated to providing employers with skilled workers by training unemployed or underemployed adults. This shift in focus allowed Rothschild to align his leadership with his true calling, demonstrating how authentic leaders often find their purpose in serving others rather than pursuing personal accolades.
These stories highlight a crucial aspect of authentic leadership: the willingness to abandon the notion of being the hero of your own journey in favor of leading others to a greater calling. This shift in perspective is what separates truly great leaders from those who merely hold positions of authority.
The Importance of Self-Awareness
At the heart of authentic leadership lies self-awareness. It's the compass that helps leaders calibrate their actions and align their leadership style with their true selves. Self-awareness involves understanding your strengths, weaknesses, natural abilities, and the roles you're best suited for.
One key benefit of self-awareness is that it helps leaders develop true self-confidence. Consider the case of Adobe CEO Bruce Chizen. Despite feeling insecure about working in the tech industry because he wasn't an engineer, Chizen was aware of his strengths in business and product marketing. This self-awareness gave him the confidence to learn about engineering and eventually work his way up to becoming CEO.
Self-awareness also helps leaders recognize their limitations and build teams that complement their skills. Ned Barnholt, former CEO of Agilent, understood that accounting wasn't his strong suit. Instead of trying to hide this weakness, he surrounded himself with excellent financial people, creating a stronger, more balanced team.
On the flip side, a lack of self-awareness can lead to significant problems. David Pottruck, former CEO of Charles Schwab, initially couldn't understand why his colleagues resented him despite his hard work. It wasn't until his boss gave him a low rating for trustworthiness that Pottruck realized his colleagues saw him as self-serving. This wake-up call prompted Pottruck to confront his blind spots and gain a better understanding of how others perceived him.
Developing self-awareness is an ongoing process that requires honest self-reflection and openness to feedback. It involves regularly asking yourself questions like:
- What are my core strengths and weaknesses?
- How do others perceive me?
- What situations bring out the best and worst in me?
- What are my deepest values and beliefs?
By continually working on self-awareness, leaders can stay aligned with their True North and make decisions that are consistent with their authentic selves.
Living Your Values and Principles
Once leaders have developed a strong sense of self-awareness, the next step is to uncover the values and principles that will guide their leadership. These values are the bedrock of authentic leadership, informing decisions and actions in both personal and professional spheres.
It's relatively easy to live by your values when times are good. The real test comes when you're under pressure – when your success, career, or even your life is at stake. These are the moments when your values may be seriously tested and even challenged.
David Gergen, former presidential advisor to Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton, provides an illustrative example. Gergen wanted to lead a life consistent with the values his family had instilled in him. However, when the Watergate Scandal emerged, he found himself in a difficult position. He didn't want to resign and be viewed as abandoning ship, but staying meant potentially compromising his values.
This experience, and witnessing Nixon's lack of transparency both before and after the scandal, led Gergen to realize that transparency was his central leadership principle. It became a guiding value in his future roles and decisions.
Another powerful example comes from Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys. Murthy set out to prove that it was possible to run a successful business in India without resorting to corruption. This commitment to honesty and integrity came at a cost – for instance, the company had to wait an entire year for a telephone line to be installed because Murthy refused to pay bribes.
While this ethical stance made growth difficult at first, it ultimately instilled a sense of discipline and integrity throughout the company that became widely respected. Murthy firmly believes that there's a direct connection between Infosys's value system and the success they've enjoyed over the past 24 years.
Living your values as a leader often requires courage and sacrifice. It may mean making unpopular decisions, turning down lucrative opportunities that compromise your principles, or standing up against unethical practices even when it's easier to look the other way. However, by consistently aligning your actions with your values, you build trust, respect, and a reputation for integrity that forms the foundation of authentic leadership.
Finding the Right Motivation
Authentic leaders need to find the right motivation to get the most out of their capabilities. Understanding what drives you is crucial for maintaining your course towards your True North.
The book distinguishes between two types of motivations: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivations are those measured by the external world – things like good grades, trophies, high salaries, or social status. While these can be powerful drivers, they often lead to a never-ending pursuit of more, potentially causing leaders to lose sight of what truly matters to them.
Intrinsic motivations, on the other hand, come from your own sense of meaning and purpose – your True North. These motivations are often closely linked to your life story and can include things like personal growth, the satisfaction of doing a good job, or staying true to your beliefs. Because they come from within, intrinsic motivations tend to be more subtle and sometimes harder to identify, especially in a society that often emphasizes material success.
Many young leaders fall into the trap of prioritizing extrinsic motivations early in their careers. They might take high-paying jobs to pay off student loans or build financial security, believing they can switch to more fulfilling work later. However, they often become accustomed to their lifestyle and find it difficult to change course, leading to demotivation and unhappiness.
The key to developing as an authentic leader isn't eliminating all extrinsic motivations, but finding a balance between extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. Bob Fischer, chairman of The Gap, provides a good example of this balance. During a fishing trip in his mid-20s, Fischer came across the rusted remains of old gold mining equipment, which sparked a deep concern for environmental well-being.
This newfound environmental awareness became a powerful intrinsic motivation for Fischer. He initiated recycling programs within his company and joined the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). These actions not only satisfied his intrinsic motivation to help the environment but also benefited the company's public image – an extrinsic motivation.
To find your own balance of motivations:
Reflect on what truly excites and energizes you. What activities make you lose track of time?
Consider the impact you want to have on the world. What legacy do you want to leave?
Examine your current motivations. Are they primarily extrinsic or intrinsic?
Look for ways to align your work with your intrinsic motivations. Can you find projects or roles that satisfy both your personal values and your professional goals?
Regularly reassess your motivations. As you grow and change, your motivations may shift too.
By understanding and balancing your motivations, you can ensure that your leadership remains authentic and aligned with your True North, even as you navigate the complexities of your professional life.
Building Your Support Team
Even the most self-assured leaders need support and appreciation. Authentic leaders understand this and prioritize building strong support networks around them.
One crucial element of this support network is mentorship. Many authentic leaders have had mentors who changed their lives by helping them develop leadership skills and the confidence to lead authentically. It's important to note that mentors don't necessarily make you feel good about yourself all the time. Instead, they provide the tough love necessary to help you learn critical lessons and grow as a leader.
Don't be afraid to approach potential mentors. There's always more to learn from experienced individuals who are willing to help and challenge you to improve. For instance, when Dave Dillon was made merchandising vice president of Fry's supermarket in his 20s, he received an unexpected call from Chuck Fry, the man who had sold Fry's to Dillons. Fry offered to walk Dillon through a Fry's store, and since then, they've spoken for at least an hour every day, with Fry coaching Dillon on how to maximize the company's potential.
In addition to mentors, personal support groups can be a powerful source of wisdom and advice. The most effective groups are those made up of peers who meet regularly to discuss what's most important in their lives. These groups provide a safe space for leaders to clarify their beliefs, values, and understanding of vital issues, while also offering honest feedback when needed.
Bill George, one of the authors, has been part of a men's group that meets every Wednesday morning for 75 minutes. The group formed 30 years ago, and its members consider it one of the most important elements of their lives. This kind of peer support can be invaluable for leaders navigating complex personal and professional challenges.
Support teams don't have to be limited to external groups. Look within your company for colleagues facing similar challenges. They can provide insights about things you might not see and offer a different perspective on shared experiences.
Lastly, don't forget the importance of your life partner, family, and close friends in your support network. Leadership can be lonely and isolating, so it's crucial to nurture these relationships. They provide emotional support, help you stay grounded, and offer a respite from the pressures of leadership.
To build and maintain your support team:
- Identify potential mentors and don't hesitate to reach out to them.
- Consider joining or forming a peer support group.
- Foster relationships with colleagues who can offer support and different perspectives.
- Make time for your partner, family, and close friends.
- Be open to feedback and willing to offer support in return.
Remember, even the strongest leaders need a robust support system. By investing in these relationships, you're not only enhancing your leadership capabilities but also enriching your personal life and staying connected to your authentic self.
Integrating Your Life
Authentic leadership isn't just about who you are at the office. To truly embody your True North, you need to lead an integrated life – one that brings together all aspects of your personal and professional life, including work, family, community, and friends.
Many people wonder if it's possible to have a rich personal life alongside a successful career. The answer is yes, but it requires careful balancing and sometimes making tough choices. You can't be everywhere for everyone all the time, so you need to make conscious trade-offs.
Take the example of Kris Johnson, once a rising star at Medtronic. After being promoted to head of Medtronic's global business, Johnson found herself spending too much time away from her family on grueling international trips. Recognizing the toll this was taking on her personal life, she made the difficult decision to leave Medtronic for a mid-sized venture capital company. This move allowed her to spend more time with her daughters, striking a better balance between her work and family life.
Johnson's story illustrates an important point: leading an integrated life often requires sacrificing some career potential for more personal time. However, this trade-off can lead to greater overall satisfaction and more authentic leadership.
Another crucial aspect of leading an integrated life is staying grounded. Authentic leaders are always aware of the importance of remaining down to earth – it keeps them from getting cocky during high points and helps them remember who they are during low points.
One way to stay grounded is to find a place you can return to that helps you restore yourself and regain perspective. Many authentic leaders have a special place they visit with their families to reconnect with their roots and values. For instance, Akshata Murthy, daughter of Infosys CEO Narayana Murthy, regularly returns to India to see old friends and her extended family. These trips help her maintain her connection to her heritage and reinforce her commitment to making an impact in India someday.
To lead a more integrated life:
Regularly assess your work-life balance. Are you satisfied with how you're allocating your time and energy?
Be willing to make tough choices. Sometimes, you may need to sacrifice career advancement for personal fulfillment, or vice versa.
Find ways to bring your whole self to work. Don't compartmentalize your personal and professional lives.
Create rituals or find places that help you stay grounded and connected to your values.
Make time for reflection. Regularly step back and ensure that your actions align with your True North across all areas of your life.
Communicate openly with your family, friends, and colleagues about your goals and challenges in maintaining balance.
Remember, leading an integrated life doesn't mean achieving perfect balance all the time. It's about making conscious choices that allow you to be true to yourself and your values across all aspects of your life. By doing so, you'll not only be a more authentic leader but also a more fulfilled individual.
Conclusion: Embracing Your True North
As we've explored throughout this summary, finding and following your True North is the key to becoming an authentic leader. It's not about possessing innate charisma or following a set of leadership clichés. Instead, it's about understanding yourself deeply, living your values, finding the right motivations, building strong support networks, and integrating all aspects of your life.
Remember, your True North is unique to you. It's shaped by your life experiences, values, and aspirations. By embracing it, you can lead with integrity and inspire others to reach their full potential.
Here are some final thoughts to help you on your journey to authentic leadership:
Embrace your life story: Your experiences, both positive and negative, have shaped who you are. Use them as a source of inspiration and learning in your leadership.
Stay self-aware: Continuously work on understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots. Self-awareness is the compass that keeps you aligned with your True North.
Live your values: Identify your core values and let them guide your decisions and actions, even when it's difficult.
Balance your motivations: Strive for a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, but always stay true to what truly matters to you.
Build your support network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and loved ones who can offer guidance, honest feedback, and emotional support.
Lead an integrated life: Strive for balance between your personal and professional life, and bring your whole self to everything you do.
Stay grounded: Find ways to stay connected to your roots and values, especially as you achieve greater success.
Empower others: Remember that authentic leadership is about helping others reach their full potential, not just about your own success.
Be adaptable: Your True North may evolve as you grow and gain new experiences. Be open to this evolution while staying true to your core self.
Practice reflection: Regularly take time to reflect on your actions, decisions, and growth as a leader. This will help you stay aligned with your True North.
Leadership is a journey, not a destination. There will be challenges and moments of doubt along the way. But by staying true to your authentic self and following your True North, you can navigate these challenges with integrity and purpose.
As you continue on your leadership journey, remember the words of Bill George: "The journey to authentic leadership begins with understanding the story of your life." Your unique experiences, values, and aspirations are the foundation of your leadership. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them guide you towards becoming the authentic leader you're meant to be.
By following your True North, you won't just become a better leader – you'll inspire others, make a positive impact, and find deep fulfillment in both your personal and professional life. So, take the time to discover your True North, and let it be the guiding force in your leadership journey.