Discover Your True North

About the Author

Bill George is an accomplished business leader, academic, and author whose work has had a profound impact on modern leadership thought. With a career spanning several decades, George has established himself as a leading voice in the field of authentic leadership. He is best known for his time as CEO and board chairman of Medtronic, a global healthcare technology company, where he exemplified the principles of leadership he now teaches. George’s contributions to leadership education are further solidified through his role as an executive fellow at Harvard Business School, where he taught leadership courses for 18 years. His teachings are not just theoretical; they are rooted in his real-world experiences at the helm of major corporations and in his extensive research on leadership.

George's philosophy of leadership revolves around the concept of staying true to one's core values and purpose—what he calls finding your "True North." He has authored several influential books on this subject, including the original edition of Discover Your True North in 2007 and its expanded and updated edition in 2015. These works are based on extensive interviews with over 170 business leaders from around the world, offering insights into the practices and mindsets that lead to effective leadership. George’s commitment to helping others discover their True North has made him a revered figure in the leadership community, influencing countless leaders to pursue a path of authenticity and integrity.

Main Idea

At the heart of Discover Your True North is the idea that true leadership is not about being the most talented, charismatic, or even the most powerful person in the room. Instead, it’s about being true to yourself and staying aligned with your core values and purpose. Bill George argues that the most successful leaders are those who have found their True North—a guiding principle that helps them navigate the complexities of leadership without losing sight of what truly matters.

George's work emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in the leadership journey. He suggests that by reflecting on one's life experiences, especially the challenges and setbacks (which he refers to as "crucibles"), leaders can discover their core purpose and ethical principles. This discovery process is crucial because it anchors leaders in their values, helping them avoid the common pitfalls of leadership, such as the pursuit of external rewards like money, fame, and power, which can easily distract from the true purpose of leadership.

Throughout the book, George provides actionable insights and guidelines for leaders to follow, helping them stay true to their core purpose and lead with authenticity. The book serves as both a philosophical exploration of what it means to be a true leader and a practical guide for those looking to enhance their leadership abilities. It encourages leaders to embrace their uniqueness, to be introspective, and to build a support system that will help them stay on course even in the face of adversity.

Identify Your Core Purpose and Ethical Principles

Understanding the Core Purpose

Central to Bill George’s philosophy is the concept of the core purpose, which he refers to as the "True North." This is not just a set of goals or objectives, but the fundamental reason behind why a leader does what they do. It is the underlying motivation that drives every decision, every action, and every strategy they implement in their leadership journey. According to George, identifying and staying true to this core purpose is essential for long-term success and fulfillment in leadership.

Finding your True North requires deep introspection and reflection on your life experiences. George emphasizes that this process is deeply personal and unique to each individual. No one else can define your core purpose for you; it must be discovered through an honest examination of your life's journey, particularly the challenges and hardships that have shaped your character. These experiences, which George calls "crucibles," are often the moments that reveal your deepest passions and values.

For example, George shares the story of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks, who discovered his core purpose through the financial struggles his family faced when he was a child. Schultz's father lost his job and health insurance after an injury, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. This experience profoundly impacted Schultz and inspired his vision for Starbucks as a company that would treat its employees with respect and provide essential benefits, such as health insurance, even to part-time workers.