HBS Working Knowledge A First Look at Faculty Research

The Authentic Leader

Research & Ideas

The Authentic Leader

Podcast with:Bill George
Published:May 2, 2007
Interviewer:James Aisner
Running Time:11 min., 37 sec.

Executive Summary:

Podcast: The best leaders are not the "follow me over the hill" type, says Professor Bill George. Rather, they're the people who lead from the heart as well as the head, and whose leadership style springs from their fundamental character and values. George discusses his new book True North, co-written with Peter Sims. Key concepts include:

  • Leadership style can be broken down into takers and givers. Takers are often charismatic personalities who end up making decisions to enrich their own coffers and careers. Givers, on the other hand, create value and empower employees to become leaders.
  • The life of a leader can be lonely. Seek continuing help from mentors and truthful advisers.
  • Authentic leadership can be taught through a series of steps that lead to self-awareness.

About Faculty in this Article:

HBS Faculty Member William W. George

Bill George is a Professor of Management Practice, Henry B. Arthur Fellow of Ethics, at Harvard Business School.

Podcast

HBS Working Knowledge now brings you podcasts with Harvard Business School faculty on the latest research and ideas in business management.

Get macromedia Flash Player The Macromedia Flash plug-in is required to play this video. If you install the Flash plug-in and view this page again, you will be able to play this video.

Download Audio Podcast RSS Feed

Purchase this book: True North

HBS Working Knowledge, an online forum for innovation in business practice that offers readers a first look at the latest research and thinking from among the more than 200 HBS faculty.

Learn more about or subscribe to the weekly HBS Working Knowledge e-mail newsletter.