Whether you are just starting your leadership journey or leading a large organization, the third edition of The True North Fieldbook will help you find your leadership purpose, that internal Compass that provides direction and keeps you oriented―your True North. Through a series of reflective exercises, this Fieldbook helps you become a better leader by learning to be a more authentic one.
Rather than telling you how to lead, the Fieldbook guides you through an intimate process of personal discovery. By understanding your life story and sharpening your personal narrative, you will discover the unique leader you were meant to be. On the way, you will work through the same lessons taught to MBA students at Harvard Business School, as well as senior executives in many Fortune 100 companies.
The third edition of The True North Fieldbook will include updated stories and case studies, new leaders, and content on leading in times of crisis, generational leadership, public leadership, and diversity and inclusivity in leadership. The Fieldbook offers a rigorous, step-by-step process that generates a customized, behaviorally anchored Personal Leadership Development Plan. This plan not only summarizes and integrates everything you've learned completing this Fieldbook but does so in a way that supports immediate action and impact.
BILL GEORGE is the former Chair and CEO of Medtronic and Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School (HBS), where he has taught leadership to MBAs and executives since 2004. He is the author of four bestselling books: Authentic Leadership, True North, Finding Your True North, and 7 Lessons for Leading in Crisis. True North has been recognized as one of the 25 Best Leadership Books of All-Time. He has served on the boards of Goldman Sachs, Mayo Clinic, ExxonMobil, Novartis, and Target.
LAUREN SCHWENK is Chief of Staff of Three Ships, which operates digital marketplace businesses. As Chief of Staff, Lauren leads special projects, which has included supporting Bill George on research, writing, editing, and graphic design since 2010. She received a BA in journalism and mass communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She lives in Pinehurst, North Carolina, with her husband, Wes, and their three children.
JOSH HALL is the Founder of Sage & Sterling Communications, a full-service public relations and communications agency that specializes in strategic storytelling. Josh works with leaders from businesses of all shapes and sizes to distill messaging down to its core, craft meaningful content, and deliver it to targeted audiences. A resident of Ponte Vedra, Florida, Josh lives with his wife, Meredith, and their two children.
Preface Emerging Leader’s Guide to True North
Introduction Developing as an Authentic Leader
Part I Discover Yourself
Chapter 1 Your Life Story
Chapter 2 Crucibles Shape Your Leadership
Chapter 3 Leading Without True North
Part II Develop Yourself
Chapter 4 Develop Your Self-Awareness
Chapter 5 Live Your Values
Chapter 6 Find Your Sweet Spot
Chapter 7 Lead an Integrated Life
Part III Lead People
Chapter 8 I to We
Chapter 9 Your North Star
Chapter 10 The Leader as Coach
Part IV Navigate Today’s Challenges
Chapter 11 Inclusive Leadership
Chapter 12 Leading in Crisis
Chapter 13 The Moral Leader
Conclusion Your Leadership Development Plan
Appendix A Ways to Use This Guide
Appendix B Form a True North Group
Appendix C Course Syllabus: True North for Emerging Leaders
About the Authors
Index