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 35% per 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.
