Authentic Leadership: Rediscovering the Secrets to Creating Lasting Value

In the wake of continuing corporate scandals there have been few, if any, CEOs that have stepped forward as models of doing things rightexcept the former chairman and CEO of Medtronic, Bill George. George has become the unofficial spokesperson for responsible leadershipin 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 missiondriven companies will create far greater shareholder value than financially oriented companies. During Georges twelveyear leadership at Medtronic, the companys 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 leaderspurpose, values, heart, relationships, and selfdiscipline. 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 tradeoffs between the needs of my customers, my employees, and my companys shareholders? Do I really want to devote my talents to business? Authentic Leadership provides a tested guide for characterbased leaders and all those who have a stake in the integrity and success of our corporations.