• True North

  • Discover Your Authentic Leadership
  • By: Bill George, Peter Sims
  • Narrated by: Mark Adams
  • Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (517 ratings)

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True North  By  cover art

True North

By: Bill George,Peter Sims
Narrated by: Mark Adams
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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)

    What listeners say about True North

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    • Overall
      2 out of 5 stars
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      2 out of 5 stars

    Maybe I'm missing something...

    This book was recommended to me (a small business owner) VERY HIGHLY by someone who was once a very successful small business owner and now has a high level job in the corporate world. So maybe my expectations were too high. This book is really aimed at people in the corporate world, and a lot of the examples of people finding their "true north" actually happened after they were already extremely successful. I felt like the examples were often too clean cut, and the lessons seemed pretty basic. Towards the end I did feel like some of the things he was saying were useful, but up until that point the main messages are: 1) be yourself, 2) be a good person, and 3) when your boss asks you to do something immoral, follow your "true north" and you'll end up fine. Oh, and not only will this help you in business, but also in your marriage and friendships. Surprise.

    So maybe I'm missing something? George is extremely successful, and the people interviewed for the book are also interesting. Maybe one day I'll hit a moment in my career where I have a decision to make and suddenly everything I listened to in this book will become more profound. But until then, most of the things he said are things we already know anyway. I guess it never hurts to get a reminder.

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    13 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      2 out of 5 stars

    Nice idea, poor execution

    This book is founded on the concept of finding out what is important to you, your "True North". Nice leadership concept, but the examples used in the book were limited to CEOs. Not every "leader" is a CEO, in fact most are not. I was very disappointed in this book overall.

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    10 people found this helpful

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      3 out of 5 stars
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      3 out of 5 stars

    Interesting, but not what I was hoping for

    I was expecting to be guided through the process of finding my authentic leadership style. This book just gives examples rather than providing a process that anybody could walk through.

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    4 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      3 out of 5 stars

    interesting case studies!

    I chose this book out of a list of recommendations for MBA summer reading.

    The reader didn't have much inflection, and it was difficult to determine when the reader was quoting someone else in the book.

    Still the case studies of leaders in various businesses were very interesting! However, for my purposes, I think I would like to have a physical copy of this book in my hand so I could take notes.


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    4 people found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    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!

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    3 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    True Insight

    This is a refreshing look at leadership and the qualities that flow from leading from your passion. He specifically suggests that successful leaders are "authentic leaders" and that authenticity comes from intrinsic or internal motivations rather than extrinsic motivation. Examples of intrinsic motivation include passions and desire to see things change for the better. Examples of extrinsic motivation include pay, power, prestige, etc. When intrinsically motivated, leaders are less likely to compromise their values and more likely to remain authentic. When extrinsically motivated, that is less often the case.

    In all, this is a wonderful listen with great insight.

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    3 people found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    One of the best leadership books I have read

    This book gives the average person the drive to understand and become an authentic Leaders.
    It replaces the wrong notion of "Leaders are born" mentality with a "You can be a great Leader" mindset
    A must for every aspiring Leader.
    A good follow up to The Spirit of Leadership by the late Dr Myles Munroe

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Great business leadership book!

    This book is ideal for the leader/entrepreneur that wants to be there best in the midst of a crisis or when their balance sheet is strong. It helps to keep business and personal agendas in perspective to maximize them all. I highly recommend this book!

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    1 person found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    One of the best business books ever…

    This is one of my favorite business books. The Audible recording is just okay, and would have benefited from proper chapter titles and editing (one chapter flows into another)… but what’s great about it is the focus and concept authentic leadership, vision and the concept of True North.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Great pointers for everyday life!

    Touches on obvious gems we need for dealing with everyday life for correct communication. Kudos!

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