Bill George, lauded by Warren Bennis as one of the only CEOs of our age with “true grit and character”, has written Authentic Leadership for the millions of people who yearn for authentic, moral, character-driven leaders. In this book, George – one of the few CEOs who has spoken out for corporate responsibilty in the wake of scandal (in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”, “Meet the Press”, and the “Today Show”) – provides a guide for all leaders and those who have a stake in the integrity and success of corporations. He helps readers answer such questions as: What is the purpose of my leadership? Do I really want to devote my talents to business? I’m working so hard; is it all worth it? What should I do when my personal values conflict with company business values? How do I make trade-offs between the needs of my customers, my employees, and our company shareholders? Do I have a responsibility as a leader to our society, for global sustainability, to the broader community? Authentic Leadership provides a framework for leaders to understand their purpose in leading, from a seasoned CEO who has truly been there. It focuses on the crucibles of experience through which leaders come to know who they are and solidify what they stand for. It speakes to leaders who want to lead with heart and compassion for those they serve. Purpose, values, relationships, self-discipline, and heart — these are the five qualities George develops in the book.
Book Details:
- Author: Bill George
- ISBN: 9780470330715
- Year Published: 2003
- Pages: 240
- BISAC: BUS071000, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS/Leadership
About the Book and Topic:
Bill George, lauded by Warren Bennis as one of the only CEOs of our age with “true grit and character”, has written Authentic Leadership for the millions of people who yearn for authentic, moral, character-driven leaders. In this book, George – one of the few CEOs who has spoken out for corporate responsibilty in the wake of scandal (in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”, “Meet the Press”, and the “Today Show”) – provides a guide for all leaders and those who have a stake in the integrity and success of corporations. He helps readers answer such questions as: What is the purpose of my leadership? Do I really want to devote my talents to business? I’m working so hard; is it all worth it? What should I do when my personal values conflict with company business values? How do I make trade-offs between the needs of my customers, my employees, and our company shareholders? Do I have a responsibility as a leader to our society, for global sustainability, to the broader community? Authentic Leadership provides a framework for leaders to understand their purpose in leading, from a seasoned CEO who has truly been there. It focuses on the crucibles of experience through which leaders come to know who they are and solidify what they stand for. It speakes to leaders who want to lead with heart and compassion for those they serve. Purpose, values, relationships, self-discipline, and heart — these are the five qualities George develops in the book.
In the wake of corporate scandal, there have been few, if any, CEOs that have stepped up as models of the way to “do things right.” Bill George is a rising star in this area. Having left Medtronic at the end of April 2002, he is making corporate responsibility and corporate governance, two crucial leadership issues, his sole focus. He is becoming more and more the spokesman, both for the media and academia. His book is a landmark statement and respected guide for those who want a time-tested model of values-based leadership.
Great Media Coverage: The author is terrifically media-genic and has received major coverage both before and after the publication of the hardcover, including Fortune, NPR, Wall Street Journal, MacNeil-Lehrer, Newsweek, and the “Today Show”. The hardcover edition made the BusinessWeek Bestseller List, received a positive review in the New York Times, and was the first book in the Fast Company book club. Built-in Business Credibility: Author is a seasoned CEO with a conscience. His business track record has put him in high regard and he is incredibly well networked on the boards of Target, Novartis, American Red Cross and Harvard Business School. Very Strong Writer: There is no ghostwriter here this is all George and the writing is fantastic. He tells a great story warts and all – without proselytizing that serves both to inspire and instruct. Timeliness: Addresses the all-important role of business leaders in the wake of corporate scandal.
About the Author
William W. (Bill) George, is former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Medtronic, the world’s leading medical technology company. Under George (1985- 2002), Medtronic’s revenues grew 18% a year, net earnings grew 24% a year, and stock market capitalization grew 37% a year. He currently serves on the boards of Target, Novartis, American Red Cross, Harvard Business School, among others. In addition, he is on the faculties of Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne and the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland, and has taught at Yale. Previous to Medtronic, George was president of various divisions of Honeywell (Industrial Automation, Space and Aviation Systems and Honeywell Europe) and Litton Microwave. He graduated with high honors from Georgia Tech, and Harvard Business School. George has been recognized by BusinessWeek (1998) as one of the top 25 Managers, by the National Association of Corporate Directors (2002) as Director of the Year, and by the Academy of Management (2001) as Executive of the Year. He is frequently profiled in the press and quoted on the imporant role of leaders in the wake of corporate scandal (including the “Today Show”, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, NPR’s “Talk of the Nation”, and “Meet the Press”). He lives in Minneapolis and does much business in Boston and Geneva, Switzerland.