True North

Discover Your Authentic Leadership

By: Bill George, Peter Sims

Narrated by: Mark Adams

Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

True North shows how anyone who follows his or her internal compass can become an authentic leader. This leadership tour de force is based on research and first-person interviews with 125 of today's top leaders - with some surprising results.

In this important audiobook, acclaimed former Medtronic CEO Bill George and coauthor Peter Sims share the wisdom of these outstanding leaders and describe how you can develop as an authentic leader. True North presents a concrete and comprehensive program for leadership success and shows how to create your own Personal Leadership Development Plan centered on five key areas:

Knowing your authentic self

Defining your values and leadership principles

Understanding your motivations

Building your support team

Staying grounded by integrating all aspects of your life

True North offers an opportunity for anyone to transform their leadership path and become the authentic leader they were born to be.

©2007 Bill George (P)2007 Gildan Media Corp

Critic reviews

"Bill George reminds us that compassion and understanding are as important qualities for business leaders as dedication and resolve." (President Jimmy Carter)

Excellent leadership book

Finding your true north is applicable to everyone. Interesting to see that even some of the successes presented on the book may have not worked today. As the author noted, your leadership style needs to be adapted to todays environment.

Learn how to use your default leadership style.

If you could sum up True North in three words, what would they be?

Lead with authenticity.

What was one of the most memorable moments of True North?

The section on mentoring explains how it should be a two-way communication between people that have mutual respect for each other. I have been involved in mentoring programs before and it typically is a one-way street where the more experienced individual is passig all the intelligence.

Any additional comments?

This book has a plethora of information on how to be a leader. This book is great for any level of leadership in any situation from the boardroom to the battlefront.

Great Listen - Definitely better than the book!

If you could sum up True North in three words, what would they be?

Informative, Engaging, Relative

What was one of the most memorable moments of True North?

The stories shared by real leaders revealing the moments of their crucibles and triumphs were real to me. Understanding that the best of the best in leadership became so by being true to themselves, aligning their work with their values, and being genuine and in some cases vulnerable with the people they were charged to lead was critical to driving home the premise of this book.

What about Mark Adams’s performance did you like?

Mark Adams is well spoken, not monotone and engaging as a story teller.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, this is a book that delivers a message. I did not find myself to be emotionally engaged.

Authentic and grounded without fluff.

If you are an authentic and seasoned manager or leader with good grounding there is not really many new things in this book. However it confirms and frames things that need to be reconfirmed every now and then, also it helps you frame the different aspects to help you keep all of them in good shape (would have said in balance before reading this book). So a good read for seasoned leadership and a must read for the next generation of leaders, regardless of their role in life.

Inspiring

I listened to this prior to leadership meetings. Liked the empowerment topics. I recommend to anyone leading teams.

Chapter issues

The chapters in the book don't align with the headings in Audible. It was difficult to find the correct chapter, I had I scan through to find specific chapters.

This also isn't the latest version. Needs to be updated

A worthwhile investment in money and time.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The content is clear and to the point. The performer keeps you engage. The story is full of learning lessons that most of us have yet to experience, but eventually will.
And when we do we will be better equipped to face a challenging situation (requiring good leadership) with a greater chance of succes than if we had never listened the audio version. Will probably purchase the hardcover so that I may butcher it with my highlighters!

What other book might you compare True North to and why?

At this time I'm listening in tandem the following: (1) The Contrarian's Guide To Leadership; (2) Leadership Isn't For Corwards; (3) Creating Magic; and, (4) Great Leaders Grow- which I plan to return because Ken Blanchard really missed the boat on this one. However, you will find the first three great companions to True North, as well as, to each other. On a side note, I urge all who find 'leadership' a must read to pick up a copy of: Leading At The Edge (Catherine McCarthy) and Endurance (Alfred Lansing).
Sorry about not using fancy words and/or eye catching phrases- I'm just down to earth, a plain talker, and, quite simple.

What does Mark Adams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He keeps you engage and focus on the message.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

South Is Not An Option!

Any additional comments?

I don't consider myself a smart person- but, I'm intelligent enough to know that I can learn from others and to know the difference between a good read as opposed to a poorly written book. I find this audio book to be a 4.5 to a 4.75!

Thoroughly enjoyed.

Truly enjoyed the stories and guidance provided in this book. While I understand it may be difficult for everyone to identify, I personally did.

A reminder to stay true to your values

What did you like best about True North? What did you like least?

Stories of executives challenged personally and professionally were inspiring. The narrator is not the easiest to listen to for a long drive.

Any additional comments?

A great read for those assessing current career direction and performance.

excellent

excellent book. too few leaders are authentic and real these days. more people need to understand this message