By Ray Gosack, ICMA-CM

All of us know genuine leaders and probably a few phony ones. As managers, we aspire to be trustworthy leaders, and to be respected in our organizations and communities. So how do we ensure our leadership style is on the right path?

Harvard Business School professor and former Medtronic CEO Bill George has captured the essence of authentic leadership—that being a leader doesn’t guarantee one’s actions will be based on what’s best for an organization. In the book Discover Your True North (John Wiley & Sons, 2015), George identifies what it takes to be a values-based leader.

The author begins by discussing a person’s journey to leadership, then moves into how a person can develop as a trustworthy leader, and concludes with how our true north meets the world. He uses familiar, real-world experiences of actual leaders to demonstrate how it’s done and in some cases, how it shouldn’t be done.

A Personal Journey

George begins with the significance of knowing our own life story and how it shapes our values and moral compass. Experiences beginning in early childhood and continuing throughout our lives influence how we behave. The author goes on to identify the mistakes that can cause us to abandon our values.

Learning from tragedy and trauma--the crucibles--that occur in our lives strengthens our leadership ability. The book discusses how these crucibles can hold us back and the ways to overcome them.

Perhaps the most critical element of authentic leadership is self-awareness. It’s important to identify our vulnerabilities and to acknowledge them to others. We also need to be aware of our blind spots. Recognizing the emotional makeup of other people and relating to their needs heightens our awareness of others.

Knowing our own values, including ranking the most important ones, is essential for performing well under fire. This lets people know the values that guide our decisions as leaders.

An important aspect of self-awareness is knowing your sweet spot, which is the intersection of your motivations and your greatest capabilities and strengths.

Every successful leader needs a support team. This includes identifying the most important personal and professional relationships in your life, developing a network of mentors, and relying on a personal support group that will hold you accountable.

The Power of “We”

Authentic leaders need an integrated life. Their family and personal lives must be kept in balance with their professional lives. The authentic leader’s core values will help him or her make these trade-offs.

George emphasizes the importance of the journey from “I” to “we.” None of us can be successful on our own. We should know how to empower others to step up and lead. This leadership trait is necessary if we’re to leave a legacy.

Leaders who are aligned with their true north must identify their purpose in life. You have to know what you’re passionate about, and how that passion is connected to your life story.

Authentic leadership is more important now than ever before. It is essential for sustainable enterprises, maintaining public trust, and operating in unfamiliar environments.

Discover Your True North is a must read for all leaders regardless of whether they are new to the role or seasoned veterans. The book demonstrates the importance of values-based leadership and how to align your internal leadership compass.