Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value

  • 3h 26m
  • Bill George
  • John Wiley & Sons (US)
  • 2003
In the wake of continuing corporate scandals there have been few, if any, CEOs that have stepped forward as models of "doing things right" -- except the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Bill George. George has become the unofficial spokesperson for responsible leadership -- in business, the media, and academia.

In Authentic Leadership Bill George makes the case that we do need new leaders, not just new laws, to bring us out of the current corporate crisis. He persuasively demonstrates that authentic leaders of mission-driven companies will create far greater shareholder value than financially oriented companies. During George's twelve-year leadership at Medtronic, the company's market capitalization soared from $1.1 billion to $460 billion, averaging 350er year.

George candidly recounts many of the toughest challenges he encountered -- from ethical dilemmas and battles with the FDA to his own development as a leader. He shows how to develop the five essential dimensions of authentic leaders— purpose, values, heart, relationships, and self-discipline. Authentic Leadership offers inspiring lessons to all who want to lead with heart and with compassion for those they serve.

Bill George helps readers answer vital questions such as: 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 my company's shareholders? Do I really want to devote my talents to business? Authentic Leadership provides a tested guide for character-based leaders and all those who have a stake in the integrity and success of our corporations.

About the Author

Bill George was chief executive of Medtronic, the world's leading medical technology company, from 1991 until 2001 and chairman of the board from 1996 to 2002. Currently, he is professor of leadership and governance at IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Executive-in-Residence at Yale University School of Management. He serves on the boards of directors of Goldman Sachs, Novartis, and Target Corporation.

In this Book

  • Leadership is Authenticity, Not Style
  • The Transformation of Leaders
  • Leading a Balanced Life
  • Missions Motivate, Dollars Don't
  • Values Don't Lie
  • It's the Customer, Stupid!
  • It's Not Just the CEO
  • Whose Bottom Line: Customers or Shareholders?
  • Seven Deadly Sins—Pitfalls to Growth
  • Overcoming Obstacles—Nothing Can Stand in Your Way
  • Ethical Dilemmas—When in Rome, Don't Follow the Romans
  • Innovations From the Heart
  • Acquisitions Aren't Just About Money
  • Shareholders Come Third
  • Governance is Governance
  • Sticking Your Neck Out
  • Preparing for Succession ... and Moving On
  • Epilogue—If Not Me, then Who? If Not Now, When?
  • Medtronic Financial Results
  • Suggested Reading
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